Elbow Circles

A shoulder mobility and warm-up exercise performed by making circles with the elbows to improve shoulder joint health.
Instructions
- Sit or stand with your feet slightly apart and good posture.
- Place your hands on your shoulders with your elbows at shoulder level and pointing outward to the sides.
- Slowly make circular motions with your elbows, moving them forward, up, lats, and down.
- Breathe out as you start the circle and breathe in as you complete each rotation.
- Complete 8-10 circles in one direction, then reverse direction and repeat.
Tips
- Keep your hands on your shoulders throughout the entire movement.
- Use slow, controlled movements with a full range of motion.
- This exercise is excellent for shoulder warm-up and mobility.
- Can be performed seated or standing depending on your preference.
- Focus on smooth, rhythmic breathing throughout.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps |