Shoulder Mobility Routine

Level Beginner · Equipment Bodyweight

Quick answer

The Shoulder Mobility Routine mainly works the front delts, side delts, rear delts, traps and rhomboids, with help from the chest. Gentle routine that loosens the shoulders and upper back and opens the chest. Beginners: 5–10 minutes, slowly and without pain, before training or on rest days.

Kai, the Kaizo coach

How to do it

  1. Do 10 big arm circles forward then 10 backward.
  2. On all fours, thread one hand under your torso then open the arm toward the ceiling, 8 times per side.
  3. Do 8 slow cat-cow rounds on all fours.
  4. With your back against a wall, slide your arms up then down while keeping contact, 10 times.
  5. Finish with a chest stretch in a doorway, 30 seconds.

Muscles worked

Front
Back

MainSecondary

  • Shoulders
  • Upper Back
  • Chest

Common mistakes

  • Move slowly and stay within a pain-free range.
  • Don't shrug your shoulders during the movements.

Variations & alternatives

FAQ

What muscles does the Shoulder Mobility Routine work?

Mainly the front delts, side delts, rear delts, traps and rhomboids. It also works the chest.

When should I do this routine?

As a warm-up before training, or on rest days. Move slowly, breathe calmly and stay in a pain-free range.

Is the Shoulder Mobility Routine good for beginners?

Yes: it is a beginner-level exercise. Learn the movement with a light load, or your bodyweight, before adding weight.

Related tools

Log it, beat it

Kaizo's gym mode logs your sets, shows the muscles you worked this week and suggests the next weight.

Kai, the Kaizo coach