Which exercise targets Glenohumeral Adductors and Scapular downward rotation?

• A. Mermaid
• B. Swan
• C. Pulling Down
• D. Footwork

Answer: (C)

Pulling Down specifically brings the arms down toward the body's midline, which activates the glenohumeral adductors—primarily the latissimus dorsi and teres major. As you pull down, the shoulder blades are drawn down and around the rib cage, producing scapular downward rotation, a motion supported by the lower trapezius and rhomboids to keep the shoulder girdle stable. This combination—arm adduction with coordinated downward rotation of the scapula—is the hallmark of this movement pattern, making it the best fit for targeting both the glenohumeral adductors and scapular downward rotation. The other exercises emphasize different shoulder or spinal actions (for example, Mermaid focuses on side bending and lateral stretch, Swan on back extension with different scapular mechanics, and Footwork is leg-driven), so they don’t optimize this specific combination of movements.