Barbell upright row bad for rotator cuffs?

[itz_migzz]

I took me all weekend to get everything into the garage and assembled, but I'm finally done with my home gym set up! Already did a quick workout and man, it's so nice not having to wait for equipment! I'm trying to figure out some good accessory movements to add in. I've always liked the upright row for shoulders, but I keep hearing a lot of people say it's bad for your rotator cuffs. Is that a real concern or just overblown? I'm not lifting super heavy, just trying to get a good pump. Any thoughts on how to do them safely, or if there's a better alternative I should be doing instead? Thanks in advance!

 

[Katchey10]

Nice work getting the home gym set up! As for upright rows, they can stress the shoulders if done too high or with poor form, you can try limiting the range, stop at mid-chest and use lighter weight. Face pulls or lateral raises are great alternatives for safer shoulder work without the same rotator cuff risk.