Arm Circles

Improve shoulder mobility and warm up your deltoids with arm circles. Enhance joint health and prepare your upper body for any activity.

Beginner
Isolation
Push
30s per set15s rest

Description

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height. Start making small circles with your arms and gradually make them larger.

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How to Do Arm Circles

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining a slight bend in your knees for stability and keeping your core gently engaged.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Extend both arms straight out to your sides at shoulder height, ensuring your palms are facing down and your shoulders are relaxed, not shrugged.

  3. 3

    Begin making small, controlled forward circles with your arms, initiating the movement from your shoulder joint and focusing on smooth rotation.

  4. 4

    Gradually increase the size of the circles, maintaining control and keeping your arms fully extended throughout the movement without letting them drop.

  5. 5

    After completing your desired duration or repetitions in the forward direction, smoothly reverse the motion, starting with small backward circles and progressively making them larger.

Tips

  • Maintain a stable core and minimize torso swaying; the movement should primarily originate from your shoulder joints.
  • Keep your shoulders depressed and away from your ears to prevent unnecessary neck tension and properly isolate the deltoid muscles.
  • Focus on smooth, controlled circular motions rather than speed, allowing for a full range of motion and effective joint lubrication.
  • Synchronize your breathing: inhale as your arms move upwards or forwards, and exhale as they move downwards or backwards.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Swaying the torso excessively: Keep your core engaged and body stable to ensure the shoulder is the primary mover, not momentum from your trunk.
  • ×Shrugging shoulders towards ears: Relax your neck and actively depress your shoulders to prevent tension and allow for proper deltoid activation.
  • ×Rushing the movement: Perform circles with controlled speed and deliberate attention to form to fully engage the muscles and improve joint mobility safely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Arm Circles work?
Arm Circles primarily targets Deltoid Anterior, Deltoid Lateral, Deltoid Posterior. Secondary muscles include Infraspinatus, Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head, Serratus Anterior, Teres Minor, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers.
Is Arm Circles good for beginners?
Arm Circles is rated beginner. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Arm Circles?
You need Body weight to perform Arm Circles. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Arm Circles?
Maintain a stable core and minimize torso swaying; the movement should primarily originate from your shoulder joints. Keep your shoulders depressed and away from your ears to prevent unnecessary neck tension and properly isolate the deltoid muscles. Focus on smooth, controlled circular motions rather than speed, allowing for a full range of motion and effective joint lubrication. Synchronize your breathing: inhale as your arms move upwards or forwards, and exhale as they move downwards or backwards.
What are common mistakes when doing Arm Circles?
Swaying the torso excessively: Keep your core engaged and body stable to ensure the shoulder is the primary mover, not momentum from your trunk. Shrugging shoulders towards ears: Relax your neck and actively depress your shoulders to prevent tension and allow for proper deltoid activation. Rushing the movement: Perform circles with controlled speed and deliberate attention to form to fully engage the muscles and improve joint mobility safely.

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Arm Circles

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