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Standing Elbow Circle

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Standing Elbow Circle.

EasySide shoulders

About this exercise

A dynamic shoulder mobility warm-up drill performed standing. With fingertips placed on the shoulders (or hands behind the neck), you rotate the elbows in large circles to loosen the shoulder girdle, thoracic spine, and surrounding musculature.

How to Perform

  • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and place your fingertips on the tops of your shoulders
  • Bring your elbows together in front of you
  • Lift your elbows upward and circle them outward in a wide arc
  • Continue the circle backward and downward, completing a full rotation
  • Perform the desired number of rotations, then reverse the direction

Muscle Activation

Primary
Side shoulders
Secondary
Rear shouldersFront shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Standing Elbow Circle

The Standing Elbow Circle 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.