Lying Around the World (Bent Arm) - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Lying Around the World (Bent Arm)

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Lying Around the World (Bent Arm).

EasyRear shouldersTrapezius

About this exercise

A prone shoulder and upper-back mobility drill performed lying face down on the floor. Starting with both arms extended overhead, you sweep them out and around in a wide arc with the elbows bent until the hands travel all the way behind your lower back, then reverse the path back overhead. The movement opens the chest and shoulders while mobilizing the rear deltoids, traps, and rhomboids.

How to Perform

  • Lie face down on a mat with your legs straight and both arms extended overhead, resting on the floor
  • Keep your forehead down and your torso relaxed against the floor
  • Bend your elbows slightly and sweep your arms out to the sides in a wide arc, lifting the hands off the floor
  • Continue the arc, drawing the arms down and around until your hands meet behind your lower back
  • Squeeze the shoulder blades together at the end of the arc
  • Reverse the motion, sweeping the arms back out and overhead to the starting position
  • Move slowly and with control, breathing steadily throughout
  • Perform 8-12 slow cycles

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shouldersTrapezius
Secondary
GlutesCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Lying Around the World (Bent Arm)

The Lying Around the World (Bent Arm) is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.