How to Do Elbows Back
Start and end of one clean rep of Elbows Back.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Chest |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Shoulders |
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
| Category | Stretching |
How to perform Elbows Back
- Stand up straight.
- Place both hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward and elbows out.
- Then gently pull your elbows back aiming to touch them together.
Muscles worked
- Chest (primary): pushes the arms forward and across the body — your horizontal pressing power.
- Shoulders (secondary): raises and rotates the arms and drives everything overhead.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
As a mobility drill, hold each position for 20–40 seconds (or move slowly for reps) rather than training it to a heavy load.
Form tips
- Set the shoulder blades down and back and keep them pinned there so the chest, not the front of the shoulders, does the pressing.
- Own the largest range you can control with clean form before you chase extra reps.
- Ease in until you feel mild tension, never pain, and breathe out as you sink a little deeper.
- Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.
Common mistakes
- Flaring the elbows straight out to the sides, which puts the shoulder joint in a weak, vulnerable spot.
- Cutting the range short to squeeze out extra reps instead of owning each full one.
- Bouncing into the stretch instead of holding it steadily.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Elbows Back work?
Elbows Back mainly works the chest, with the shoulders helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Elbows Back?
None — Elbows Back is a bodyweight movement, so you only need your bodyweight and a little space.
How many sets and reps should I do for Elbows Back?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. As a mobility drill, hold each position for 20–40 seconds (or move slowly for reps) rather than training it to a heavy load.
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