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Exercise Library/Shoulders/Body weight/Shoulder Rolls
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Shoulder Rolls

BWBodyweightStretch

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Shoulder Rolls is a simple bodyweight stretching exercise that involves smoothly rolling the shoulders forward or backward in a circular motion to loosen tight muscles and improve mobility. It primarily targets the shoulders and neck, releasing tension accumulated from poor posture or daily stress. Ideal for beginners, office workers, or anyone warming up before upper-body workouts, it requires no equipment and enhances range of motion with minimal effort.

How to Perform Shoulder Rolls

  1. 1Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed at your sides, and shoulders dropped away from your ears.
  2. 2Inhale deeply as you slowly roll your shoulders up toward your ears in a smooth, circular motion.
  3. 3Exhale as you continue the roll, squeezing your shoulder blades back and down.
  4. 4Inhale again as you bring your shoulders forward and around, keeping the motion controlled and fluid.
  5. 5Exhale as you complete the circle by dropping your shoulders back to the starting position.
  6. 6Repeat for 5-10 rolls in one direction, then reverse direction for another 5-10 rolls.
  7. 7Key form tips: Keep movements slow and deliberate to avoid strain—rushing can cause neck tension. Maintain a neutral spine and gaze forward; avoid shrugging or hunching. If you feel pain (beyond mild stretch), stop immediately.

Muscles Worked

Front

Back

Primary
Secondary
Primary
ShouldersNeck

Equipment Required

Body weight0

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Quick answers

What muscles does Shoulder Rolls work?
Shoulder Rolls primarily targets the Shoulders, Neck.
What equipment do I need for Shoulder Rolls?
Shoulder Rolls is a bodyweight exercise. No additional equipment is required, though you may add resistance for progression.
How do I perform Shoulder Rolls correctly?
Shoulder Rolls is performed in 7 steps. Start by: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed at your sides, and shoulders dropped away from your ears. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
What type of exercise is Shoulder Rolls?
Shoulder Rolls is a stretch exercise. It primarily works the Shoulders, Neck.

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