Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze
Improve posture & upper back strength! This seated exercise targets back muscles with a simple squeeze. Do it anywhere!
The Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze mainly works the back, with help from the traps. You'll need: chair.
Required Equipment

Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze Muscles Worked
Primary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Secondary
Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)
Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze
Setup:
Sit on a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor. Position your hips towards the back of the chair for maximum support.
Posture:
Sit up tall with your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
Keep your arms at your sides with your elbows slightly bent.
Starting Position:
Raise both arms to shoulder height, extending them straight out in front of you with palms facing down.
Movement:
Slowly pull your arms back while keeping them at shoulder height. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you move your arms backward.
Focus on engaging your upper back muscles. Your palms should face each other as your arms move back.
Hold:
Hold the squeezed position for a moment, ensuring you feel tension in the muscles between your shoulder blades.
Return:
Gradually return your arms to the starting position, extending them back out in front of you.
Repetition:
Repeat this movement for 10-15 repetitions, ensuring you maintain good posture throughout.
Breathing:
Inhale as you pull your arms back and exhale as you return to the starting position.
Cool Down:
After completing your repetitions, take a moment to sit quietly and breathe deeply, allowing your shoulders to relax.
Tips:
Keep your movements slow and controlled.
If you experience discomfort in your shoulders or back, adjust the range of motion or take a break.
Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze FAQs
What muscles does the Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze work?
The Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze mainly works the back, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi.
What equipment do you need for the Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze?
Chair.
What workout day should the Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Chair Seated Straight-Arm Back Squeeze variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Back Squeeze, Chair Lat Stretch, Mid-Back & Elbow Squeeze and Chair Open-Up.
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