Appears in642 Workouts*

Standing Scapular Rotation

Improve shoulder mobility and posture with Standing Scapular Rotations! Strengthen muscles for better stability and reduced risk of injury.

The Standing Scapular Rotation mainly works the traps, with help from the neck and back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Standing Scapular Rotation demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Standing Scapular Rotation Muscles Worked

Primary

Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Lower Traps (trapezius, lower fibers)

Secondary

Neck (back) (levator scapulae); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)

How to do the Standing Scapular Rotation

  1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms resting by your sides, and your gaze forward.

  2. With a slight bend in your elbows, begin by retracting your scapulae, which means squeezing your shoulder blades together as if you're trying to hold a pencil between them. This is the starting position.

  3. From the retracted position, elevate your shoulder blades by shrugging your shoulders upwards towards your ears.

  4. Next, protract your shoulder blades by moving them apart and pushing them forward so that your upper back rounds slightly.

  5. Finally, depress your shoulder blades by bringing them downward, as if you are trying to tuck them into your back pockets.

  6. Cycle through these movements in a smooth and controlled manner.

  7. Make sure the movement is focused on the scapulae and try to minimize movement in the rest of your body to fully engage the muscles surrounding the shoulder blades.

  8. Perform 10-15 repetitions per set, and aim for 1-3 sets in total.

  9. Take care to keep your neck relaxed and avoid shrugging too forcefully, as this can cause excess tension.

Remember to breathe naturally throughout the exercise and to practice good form to avoid any strain or injury.

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Standing Scapular Rotation FAQs

What muscles does the Standing Scapular Rotation work?

The Standing Scapular Rotation mainly works the traps, with help from the neck and back. The main muscles are the trapezius.

What equipment do you need for the Standing Scapular Rotation?

None. The Standing Scapular Rotation is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What workout day should the Standing Scapular Rotation go on?

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

What are some Standing Scapular Rotation variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Bent-Over Back Scapular Extension Adduction, Bodyweight Standing Scapula Row, Bodyweight Standing Scapular External Rotation and Dumbbell Standing Scapular External Rotation.

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