Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze
Improve posture & shoulder mobility! Cross arms behind your head, squeeze shoulder blades. Feel the stretch & engagement!
The Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze mainly works the back and shoulders, with help from the traps. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze Muscles Worked
Primary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)
Secondary
Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze
Starting Position:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent for stability.
Engage your core by gently pulling your belly button towards your spine.
Arm Position:
Raise your arms above your head with your elbows bent.
Position your hands so that your palms are facing behind you.
Movement:
Gently cross your arms behind your head while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
Hold this position for a moment, feeling the stretch in your chest and the engagement in your back.
Return to Start:
Slowly uncross your arms and return them to the starting position above your head.
Ensure your posture is straight and your core remains engaged throughout.
Repetitions:
Repeat this movement for 10-15 repetitions, focusing on maintaining controlled movements.
Breathing:
Inhale as you raise your arms and exhale as you cross them behind your head.
Tips:
Keep your neck relaxed and avoid straining it during the movement.
If you feel any discomfort, reduce the range of motion or take a break.
This exercise helps improve shoulder mobility and engages the upper back.
Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze work?
The Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze mainly works the back and shoulders, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the rhomboids and posterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze?
None. The Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Standing Behind-Head Cross-Over & Back Squeeze variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Behind-Neck Arms-Forward, Back Slap Wrap Around Stretch, Back Squeeze and Behind-Head Clap.
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