Although physical therapists prescribe these, some weightlifting authorities seem not to emphasize them. For instance, I noticed that Mark Rippetoe claims that a properly executed press is a good way to strengthen the rotator cuff.
I have to admit that I have wondered sometimes how effective some of the stabilization exercises really were. Some of them seem to be similar to the bench press or lateral raises, just with bands or light weights. If I am doing an exercise like the press or the bench press, won’t that strengthen both the big and little muscles all at once?
Am I wasting my time doing these alongside a weight lifting program like Starting Strength? And if I do them, when do I fit them in the program? Should I do them before the actual warm-up sets and work sets, or should I do them on rest days?