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Shoulder Circle

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Introduction to the Shoulder Circle

The Shoulder Circle exercise is a simple yet effective workout that focuses on improving the flexibility and range of motion of your shoulder joints. It is ideal for everyone, including athletes, office workers, or individuals recovering from shoulder injuries. Incorporating this exercise into your routine can help to reduce shoulder stiffness, enhance posture, and prevent injuries, making it a desirable choice for those seeking to maintain healthy shoulder function.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Shoulder Circle

  • Slowly lift your shoulders up towards your ears, then roll them backwards.
  • Continue the circular motion, bringing your shoulders down and then forwards.
  • Repeat this circular motion for your desired number of repetitions.
  • To ensure a thorough workout, reverse the direction of the shoulder circles for the same number of repetitions.

Tips for Performing Shoulder Circle

  • Controlled Movements: When performing the shoulder circle, make sure your movements are slow and controlled. Avoid fast, jerky movements as they can strain the muscles and lead to injury.
  • Full Rotation: For the maximum benefit, make sure you're making a full rotation with your shoulders. Common mistakes include only doing half circles or moving the shoulders up and down instead of in a circular motion.
  • Don't Use Your Neck: A common mistake is using the neck to help drive the shoulder movement. This can lead to strain and discomfort. The motion should be driven by your shoulders and upper back muscles, not your neck.
  • Warm Up: Like any exercise, it's important to warm up before you start. This can help prevent injury and make the exercise more

Shoulder Circle FAQs

Can beginners do the Shoulder Circle?

Yes, beginners can definitely do the Shoulder Circle exercise. It's a simple and effective exercise to improve flexibility and range of motion in the shoulders. Here's how you do it: 1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Extend your arms out to your sides at shoulder height. 3. Slowly make circles with your shoulders, moving your arms up and down in a circular motion. 4. Do this for about 30 seconds, then reverse the direction of the circles. Remember to keep your movements smooth and controlled, never force the motion. If you feel any discomfort, stop the exercise. As with any exercise, it's always a good idea to consult with a fitness professional or physical therapist to ensure you're doing it correctly and safely.

What are common variations of the Shoulder Circle?

  • The Seated Shoulder Circle is performed while sitting down, where you rotate your shoulders in a circular motion, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • The Reverse Shoulder Circle involves moving your shoulders in a circular motion but in the opposite direction than you usually do.
  • The Weighted Shoulder Circle involves holding light weights in your hands while performing the shoulder circles to add resistance and increase strength.
  • The Alternating Shoulder Circle involves moving one shoulder at a time in a circular motion, alternating between the right and left.

What are good complementing exercises for the Shoulder Circle?

  • Lateral Raises also complement Shoulder Circles as they focus on the lateral deltoids, which are often underused in other exercises, thus promoting balanced muscle development and improved shoulder mobility.
  • Finally, Face Pulls are an excellent addition to a routine that includes Shoulder Circles because they target the rear deltoids and upper back muscles, counterbalancing the anterior shoulder work and promoting good posture.

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