Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation
Build elite shoulder mobility and joint health with this seated drill. It targets internal and external rotation to improve range of motion, posture, and core control.
The Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation mainly works the shoulders, with help from the traps. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation Muscles Worked
Primary
Rotator Cuff (infraspinatus); Shoulder Rotator (subscapularis); Small Rotator (teres minor)
Secondary
Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation
Starting Position:
Sit comfortably on a mat or a flat surface with your legs crossed, or in a comfortable seated position.
Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Raise your arms to shoulder height, bending your elbows at 90 degrees so your forearms are parallel to the ground. Your palms can face forward or upward.
Movement Instructions:
1. Internal Rotation:
Slowly move your forearms downward, bringing your elbows closer to your body as you rotate your forearms inward.
Hold this position momentarily, feeling the stretch in your shoulders.
Return to the starting position by rotating your forearms back out to the original position.
2. External Rotation:
From the starting position, rotate your forearms outward away from your body, while keeping your elbows close to your waist.
Again, hold this position momentarily to feel the stretch in your shoulders.
Return to the starting position by rotating your forearms back to the original position.
Repetitions:
Aim for 10-15 repetitions of each rotation (internal and external) to begin with.
As you become more comfortable, you can increase the repetitions.
Tips:
Keep your movement slow and controlled to prevent strain.
Focus on maintaining good posture throughout the exercise.
If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop the exercise and reassess your form.
Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation FAQs
What muscles does the Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation work?
The Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation mainly works the shoulders, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor.
What equipment do you need for the Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation?
None. The Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Seated Shoulder Internal & External Rotation variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Bodyweight Lying Shoulder External Rotation, Bodyweight Standing Scapular External Rotation, Cable Kneeling Shoulder Internal Rotation and Cable 90-Degree Shoulder Internal Rotation.
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