Slow shoulder rolls

Before longer holds, a few honest rolls remind the shoulder blades they can move on the ribcage. That makes the later stretches cleaner.

shoulders · easy · desk-friendly

Hold. slow repetitions, no long hold, both sides together, 8 reps.
Also involves. neck.

Why this one exists

Before longer holds, a few honest rolls remind the shoulder blades they can move on the ribcage. That makes the later stretches cleaner.

Set up

Sit or stand. Let the arms hang. This is a movement, not a hold.

Steps

  1. Lift the shoulders toward the ears on an inhale.
  2. Draw them back, then down on the exhale.
  3. Reverse direction after half the rounds.
  4. Keep the jaw unclenched.

What you should feel

A circle around the shoulder joint. No catching that you have to force through.

Skip if it hurts

Skip the reverse direction if it catches. Stay with the pain-free half-circle.

Common mistakes

Do not speed up. Fast rolls become shrugs.

Nearby in the library

shouldersDoorway chest stretchshouldersCross-body shoulder stretchshouldersThread the needle

All stretches · Today’s routine

Not medical advice. Stretchcrafters is a movement library, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Stop if something hurts, and talk to a clinician if you have an injury, unexplained pain, or a condition that changes what is safe for you.