Standing Side Handshake
Improve shoulder mobility & strength with the Standing Side Handshake exercise. A simple yet effective movement for better posture & function.
The Standing Side Handshake mainly works the back and chest, with help from the traps. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Standing Side Handshake Muscles Worked
Primary
Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)
Standing Side Handshake Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Side Handshake
1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Extend your right arm directly to the side, parallel to the floor.
3. Keep your left hand on your hip or let it hang by your side.
4. Keeping your arm straight, raise it to shoulder level and then bring it across your body to simulate a handshake motion towards your left side.
5. Return your arm back to the side parallel to the ground.
6. Repeat this motion for the desired number of repetitions.
7. Switch to the left arm and repeat the exercise, this time extending your left arm and bringing it across your body towards your right side.
8. Ensure that your movements are slow, controlled, and deliberate to fully engage the muscles without using momentum.
Remember to keep your core engaged throughout the movements for stability, and avoid jerky or rapid swinging of the arms.
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Standing Side Handshake FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Side Handshake work?
The Standing Side Handshake mainly works the back and chest, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the serratus anterior and pectoralis major.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Side Handshake?
None. The Standing Side Handshake is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What are some Standing Side Handshake variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Outward Hand Wave, Side Arm Swim, Standing Palm Switching Squeeze and Arm Side-Step Swing.
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