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Strength Training

Arm Circles (Progressive)

Beginner

About This Exercise

Progressive shoulder circumduction. Takes the shoulder joint through its full range of motion, warming the rotator cuff and deltoids.

1Setup

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Arms out to the sides at shoulder height.

2Execution

Make small forward circles with both arms. Gradually increase the circle size over 10-15 seconds until you are making full, large circles. Reverse direction. Then do the same sequence going backward.

Pro Tips

  • Start small and progressively go bigger
  • Keep arms at shoulder height throughout
  • 10 seconds small → 10 seconds medium → 10 seconds full circles
  • Reverse direction halfway through

Safety Notes

  • !If you hear clicking or feel impingement, reduce circle size and keep the movement pain-free

Train This Exercise

Quick workout with this exercise

Muscles Worked

Front

Back

Primary

Secondary