How to Do Shoulder Stretch
Start and end of one clean rep of Shoulder Stretch.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Shoulders |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | — |
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
| Category | Stretching |
How to perform Shoulder Stretch
- Reach your left arm across your body and hold it straight.
Muscles worked
- Shoulders (primary): 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
- Keep the ribs down and the glutes tight so the lower back doesn't arch to 'help' the weight up.
- 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.
- Control the lowering phase — a 2–3 second descent builds more than dropping the weight.
Common mistakes
- Pressing with the lower back arched instead of a braced, stacked torso.
- 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 Shoulder Stretch work?
Shoulder Stretch is a focused movement that primarily works the shoulders.
What equipment do I need for Shoulder Stretch?
None — Shoulder Stretch is a bodyweight movement, so you only need your bodyweight and a little space.
How many sets and reps should I do for Shoulder Stretch?
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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