Firehouse fitness

Reach: Extending arms overhead will strengthen the back

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 12:04 a.m. San Diego Union Tribune. Pg. E3. Howard Lipin

THE MOVE: Y’s

WORKS ON: Scapular stabilization

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate

PRECAUTIONS: Shoulder impingement

SETUP: Lie face down on a bench or a gym ball.

STEPS: Arms are extended overhead at a 45-degree angle above shoulder level, with the thumbs pointed up to facilitate external rotation. Focus on squeezing the shoulders up toward the ceiling. Squeeze for one second and then release.

REPETITIONS: Two sets of 15 reps.

MEET JEFFREY BUTKOWSKI

TITLE: Firefighter, Station 21/C Division

YEARS OF SERVICE: Nine

HOME: Granite Hills

PERSONAL: Married, four children

ACTIVITIES/INTERESTS: Surfing, golfing, swimming, hiking