Having good arm strength and good core helped some.. but it’s not a have to have. No exercise till PT says so. After I finished PT I started very slowly to do stretches. No weights on arms just isometric work. Lightly. It’s been since April 21 surgery day and I am just now working on lite strength work on my arms .half pound weight or less. Walking is my best exercise 👍 gained a few pounds from surgery and Covid stuff. Hope this helps it was the best surgery for me. Glad I had it Great Doctor too. Just follow Doctors orders and your PT person!