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Exercises › Shoulders › Arm Circles

Arm Circles

Arm Circles is a beginner isolation bodyweight stretching that mainly works your shoulders, with help from your traps.

💪 Shoulders🏋️ Bodyweight📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 2-3 holds of 20-30 seconds per side
Arm Circles: starting position
Starting position
Arm Circles: end position
End position

How to do the arm circles

  1. Stand up and extend your arms straight out by the sides. The arms should be parallel to the floor and perpendicular (90-degree angle) to your torso. This will be your starting position.
  2. Slowly start to make circles of about 1 foot in diameter with each outstretched arm. Breathe normally as you perform the movement.
  3. Continue the circular motion of the outstretched arms for about ten seconds. Then reverse the movement, going the opposite direction.

Muscles worked

Primary: ShouldersSecondary: Traps

Sets and reps

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, 2-3 times per side. Stretch after training or on rest days.

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Arm Circles alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

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FAQ

What muscles does the arm circles work?

It mainly works your shoulders; your traps assist.

How many sets and reps of arm circles should I do?

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, 2-3 times per side. Stretch after training or on rest days.

Is the arm circles good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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