5-Minute Fitness: Shoulder Exercises for Every Body

Keep shoulders healthy and strong with these simple at-home stretches and exercises that improve flexibility and range of motion.

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Across-the-chest stretch

1 Bring left arm across your chest.

2 Hold left elbow with right hand and gently pull left arm toward body.

3 Hold for 15-30 seconds.

4 Alternate arms and repeat.

5 Do each side 3-5 times.

 

Side arm raises

1 Stand with arms at sides and back straight.

2 Raise arms to shoulder height.

3 Hold for 5-10 seconds.

4 Return to starting position.

5 Repeat 10-15 times.

 

Doorway shoulder stretch

1 Stand in doorway with elbows and arms at a 90-degree angle.

2 Step right foot forward as you press your palms into the sides of the door frame.

3 Hold position for 15-30 seconds.

4 Switch sides and repeat.

5 Do each side 2–3 times.

 

This article is featured in the March/April 2024 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Subscribe to the magazine for more art, inspiring stories, fiction, humor, and features from our archives.

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Comments

  1. These are good exercises we should be doing in general. Around last April I started having pain and range of motion problems with my left arm and shoulder. I was greatly helped with weekly sessions at Gillette Therapy in Woodland Hills, and Dole Acupuncture both covered with my insurance. By December, my arm and shoulder were about as good as the right side.

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