Exercise library · Shoulders

How to Do Elbow Circles

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the elbow circles.

How to do it

1. Sit or stand with your feet slightly apart.
2. Place your hands on your shoulders with your elbows at shoulder level and pointing out.
3. Slowly make a circle with your elbows. Breathe out as you start the circle and breathe in as you complete the circle.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

Workouts with this exercise

Similar exercises

Arm CirclesShoulders

Shoulder RaiseShoulders

Upward StretchShoulders

Side Wrist PullShoulders

Shoulder CirclesShoulders

Shoulder StretchShoulders

Gear for this exercise

Exercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.