Bodybuilders know that they need to stretch correctly to get the most out of their workout. However, some exercises that are considered staples of a bodybuilder’s routine may do more harm than good. Arm circles are one such exercise. While they may seem innocent and innocuous enough, arm circles can actually cause a lot of damage to the shoulder joint if done incorrectly. In this article, we will look at why arm circles should be avoided by bodybuilders and offer some safer alternatives.
Many people don’t know why arm circles are considered a dangerous stretching exercise. The reality is that there are many facts about this stretch you may not know. What’s vital is to understand why and apply your knowledge appropriately. I will be discussing these facts individually for you to understand comprehensively.
What is an Arm Circle Exercise?
The arm circle exercise is a dynamic type of stretch that you can do before or after your workout routine, as the case may be.
It’s called an “arm- Circler” for short in this article about how to improve flexibility with circles and other types of exercises!
First, let’s take a look at what arm circles are. The exercise is simple enough – you extend your arms out to the side and then rotate them in a circular motion. But why is this stretch considered dangerous?
The Danger of Arm Circles for Bodybuilders
There are several reasons why arm circles should be avoided by bodybuilders.
The first reason why arm circles are a dangerous stretching exercise is that they stretch the shoulder’s internal rotators, as opposed to the external ones, which need more flexibility for bodybuilders. This can lead to highly tight shoulders and may even cause injuries such as impingement, bursitis, or glenohumeral instability in the long run.
The second reason why arm circles are a dangerous stretching exercise is that they can cause unpardonable damage to the shoulder joint, leading to injuries down the road. If done incorrectly, this move puts too much pressure on your shoulders and may even dislodge the arms!
Alternative Arm Circle Stretches
So what are some alternative stretches that you can do instead of arm circles? There are several options out there, but why not choose those that focus on stretching your external rotators rather than your internal ones. Here are three great examples:
- Chest stretch
- Elbow to opposite shoulder
- Wrist extension stretch
These are all great stretches that can help you achieve the flexibility you need without putting your safety at risk. Give them a try and see for yourself how much better they are than arm circles!
Arm circles may seem like an innocent stretch. Still, they can actually cause a lot of damage to the shoulder joint if done incorrectly. In this article, we will look at why arm circles should be avoided by bodybuilders and offer some safer alternatives.