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PVC Pipe Shoulder Flexion

Beginner
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PVC pipe mobility drill targeting the anterior deltoids and lats to improve overhead range of motion; commonly used for warm-ups and shoulder health.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Traps, Triceps

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Rehab

Training Style

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Lats

7/10

Teres Major

Traps

5/10

Upper Traps

Triceps

4/10

Long Head

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-8 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Breathe deeply during holds

How to Perform

Stand tall holding a PVC pipe with a pronated grip slightly wider than shoulder-width, arms fully extended downwards.

  1. Inhale and brace your core to maintain a neutral spine.
  2. Raise the pipe overhead keeping elbows locked and ribs down.
  3. Reach as far back as mobility allows without arching the lower back.
  4. Pause at the end range to feel the stretch in shoulders and lats.
  5. Lower the pipe back to the starting position under control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Ribs down
  • Elbows locked
  • Reach tall
  • Core braced
  • Shoulders away from ears

Breathing

Inhale to start, exhale as you lift the pipe overhead, and breathe deeply during the hold.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Arms vertical or slightly past ears without lumbar hyperextension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if pinching occurs in shoulder
  • Do not force range of motion
  • Keep movement controlled

Spotting

Not recommended; self-guided mobility exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Bending elbows
  • Head jutting forward
  • Grip too narrow
  • Shrugging shoulders

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic shoulder flexion
  • Neutral spine control

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with hip hinge

Also known as

PVC Overhead Raise, PVC Shoulder Stretch, Overhead PVC Mobility, Shoulder Flexion Drill

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