GymPlan AI
Exercises › Shoulders › Elbow Circles

Elbow Circles

Elbow 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
Elbow Circles: starting position
Starting position
Elbow Circles: end position
End position

How to do the elbow circles

  1. Sit or stand with your feet slightly apart.
  2. Place your hands on your shoulders with your elbows at shoulder level and pointing out.
  3. Slowly make a circle with your elbows. Breathe out as you start the circle and breathe in as you complete the circle.

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.

Track your elbow circles with GymPlan AI

Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.

Start your free trial

Elbow Circles alternatives

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

Arm CirclesBodyweight · BeginnerChair Upper Body StretchOther · BeginnerSide Wrist PullBodyweight · BeginnerShoulder CirclesBodyweight · BeginnerShoulder RaiseBodyweight · BeginnerShoulder StretchBodyweight · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the elbow circles work?

It mainly works your shoulders; your traps assist.

How many sets and reps of elbow 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 elbow circles good for beginners?

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

More shoulders exercises →