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Forward Arm Circles

Updated

Improve shoulder mobility and warm up your upper body with Forward Arm Circles. A simple exercise for better range of motion!

The Forward Arm Circles mainly works the shoulders, with help from the traps and back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Forward Arm Circles demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Forward Arm Circles Muscles Worked

Primary

Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid); Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)

Secondary

Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior)

How to do the Forward Arm Circles

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended straight out to the sides at shoulder height.

  2. Begin by making small circles with your arms, about the size of a saucer. Ensure that the movement starts from the shoulders and keep your arms straight but not locked.

  3. Maintain a controlled motion and consistent speed. Perform this circular motion for 20 to 30 seconds or about 15 to 20 circles.

  4. After completing the smaller circles, gradually increase the size of the circles to about the size of a dinner plate, ensuring the movement remains controlled and originates from the shoulders.

  5. Continue with the larger circles for another 20 to 30 seconds or 15 to 20 circles.

  6. You can perform this exercise in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Be sure to reverse the direction after completing the set in one direction to work the muscles evenly.

  7. Keep your posture straight and upright; avoid leaning forward or backward.

  8. Focus on keeping your breath even and do not hold your breath.

The Circles Arm exercise is excellent for improving shoulder joint mobility, warming up the shoulders and upper back before performing more intense exercises, and potentially helping to reduce the risk of injuries by increasing blood flow to the shoulder area.

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Forward Arm Circles FAQs

What muscles does the Forward Arm Circles work?

The Forward Arm Circles mainly works the shoulders, with help from the traps and back. The main muscles are the anterior deltoid, lateral deltoid and posterior deltoid.

What equipment do you need for the Forward Arm Circles?

None. The Forward Arm Circles is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What workout day should the Forward Arm Circles go on?

It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Forward Arm Circles variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Stepback Arm Circles, Arms Circles Front Step, In-Place Arm Circles Marching and Arm Full-Circles Squat.

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