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15 Portable Shoulder Exercises to Tone Muscles Anywhere You Go

Fifteen Anywhere-Friendly Bodyweight Exercises to Tone Your Shoulders

Anytime, Anywhere Strength Training for Stronger Shoulders: 15 Bodyweight Exercises
Anytime, Anywhere Strength Training for Stronger Shoulders: 15 Bodyweight Exercises

15 Portable Shoulder Exercises to Tone Muscles Anywhere You Go

In the era of remote work, maintaining good posture has become more important than ever. One effective way to achieve this is through bodyweight exercises, which can help strengthen the muscles that support a healthy work-from-home stance. Here are 15 bodyweight exercises to enhance shoulder strength and improve posture.

  1. Incline Push-up
  2. Muscles Targeted: Shoulders, chest, triceps
  3. Pro Tip: Maintain a straight body position to avoid lower back pain. Ensure your elbow/hand is directly under your shoulder.
  4. Crab Walk
  5. Targets: Glutes, abdominals, triceps, quads, hamstrings, lats
  6. Description: This total-body movement can be adjusted for intensity. It engages multiple muscle groups, including the shoulders, back, glutes, and legs.
  7. Plank to Alternate Pike
  8. Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 5 reps
  9. Muscles Targeted: Shoulders, core (abs and obliques)
  10. Wall Walk-up
  11. Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps
  12. Muscles Targeted: Shoulders, back extensors
  13. Elevated Pike Push-up
  14. Targets: Shoulders, triceps
  15. Pro Tip: Keep hands wider for shoulder targeting and maintain a slight bend in elbows to protect the joint.
  16. Kneeling Table Pullover
  17. Sets/Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps
  18. Muscles Targeted: Lats, chest, triceps, shoulders
  19. Pike Push-up
  20. Targets: Chest, shoulders, core
  21. Pro Tip: Keep elbows close to the sides for better form and increased strength.
  22. Prone T (and Y)
  23. Targets: Shoulders
  24. Bridge Push-up
  25. Targets: Chest, shoulders, hamstrings, lower back, quads, triceps, glutes
  26. Pro Tip: Avoid arching your back or thrusting your hips down toward the floor when returning to plank position to prevent aggravating your lower back.
  27. Prone T (and Y)
    • Targets: Shoulders
  28. Side Plank with Lateral Raise (Bodyweight Only)
    • Muscles Targeted: Shoulders and core (abs and obliques)
    • Pro Tip: If this is too challenging, start by using an exercise ball to support Bridge Pose. This exercise requires a lot of chest, shoulder, and back flexibility.
  29. Side Plank with Lateral Raise (Equipment Assisted)
    • Muscles Targeted: Shoulders and core (abs and obliques)
    • Pro Tip: If using equipment, ensure the resistance level is appropriate for your fitness level to avoid injury.
  30. Diving Push-up
    • Targets: Chest, shoulders, triceps, core
  31. Inverted Row Face Pull
    • Targets: Rear deltoids, traps, rhomboids, rotator cuffs
    • Pro Tip: A normal inverted row involves having a wide grip and is designed to primarily target your back and lats. With some slight alterations, inverted rows can be changed into face pulls that are great for targeting your rear delts and external rotators.
  32. Push-back Push-up
    • Targets: Abdominals, pectorals, triceps, deltoids
    • Pro Tip: This exercise benefits pushing strength, core control, overhead shoulder stability, and mobility.

These exercises are suitable for home fitness enthusiasts seeking effective, versatile routines. For those who wish to delve deeper into bodyweight exercises, the book "Ryan and Alex Duo Life" by Ryan and Alex offers valuable insights. Remember to maintain proper form, listen to your body, and consult with a fitness professional when necessary.

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