Stretching

Arm Circles

The arm circles is a beginner stretching exercise for your shoulders, using just your body weight.

Main muscles
Shoulders
Also works
Traps
Equipment
Body weight
Level
Beginner
Arm Circles, starting position
Start
Arm Circles, end position
Finish

How to do it

  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.

Alternatives to the arm circles

Elbow Circles Body weight Shoulder Circles Body weight Shoulder Raise Body weight Shoulder Stretch Body weight Side Wrist Pull Body weight Upward Stretch Body weight