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8+ Ultimate Calisthenics Shoulder Workouts For Strength, Stability & Definition

- Writen by: - Reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN Fact checked

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While the views expressed are those of the writer, they are grounded in their academic background and scientific research. A team of qualified medical experts fact-checks the content, ensuring its accuracy. The information is further supported by reputable sources linked within the article.

Starting a new fitness journey may bring up concerns about crowded gyms and complex weightlifting machines. However, an effective and sometimes overlooked alternative is calisthenics. The word calisthenics comes from the ancient Greek words kalos(beautiful) and stenos (strength) and embodies simplicity and power.

If you’re interested in a comprehensive calisthenics shoulder workout that improves your physique without any equipment, you can do so with just your body weight as resistance. The following article is an excellent resource for beginners seeking a refreshing new workout routine.

Read on to redefine your physical limits and gain a new perspective on your personal fitness as you learn new upper back exercises along the way.

Best Calisthenics Shoulder Workouts

All Calisthenics Shoulder Workouts

A major benefit of calisthenics is that you need little, if any, equipment. If you find comfort in going to a traditional gym, you could give these shoulder exercises with dumbbells a try. However, the following exercises will focus on teaching you calisthenics shoulder exercises that you can perform at home with your own body weight.

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Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Muscle Worked:

Shoulder

  1. Find a suitable area at home or in the gym. Allow enough space to move your arms through a full arc motion. 
  2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your hips should be facing forward... Read more

Reverse Snow Angels

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Muscle Worked:

Shoulder

  1. Lie face down on a mat with arms at your sides, palms facing up.
  2. Engage your core and squeeze your glutes to stabilize your body... Read more

Dynamic Arm Swing

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Muscle Worked:

Shoulder

Chest

  1. Stand with flat feet hip-width apart on the floor with your knees slightly bent.
  2. Raise your arms out to your sides at shoulder height... Read more

Chair Inverted Row

Equipment:

Stick

Chair

Bodyweight

Muscle Worked:

Back

Shoulder

  1. Set up two chairs with their backs facing each other. Space the chairs two shoulder-widths apart.
  2. Position a bar in the middle on top of the backs of the chairs... Read more

Handstand Push-Up

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Muscle Worked:

Shoulder

  1. Find a suitable wall in a large space. Ensure that the wall is sturdy and free from clutter or obstructions.
  2. Face away from the wall with your feet hip-width apart. Stand with your head facing forward around 10 inches from the wall... Read more

Bear Crawl

Equipment:

Bodyweight

Muscle Worked:

Shoulder

  1. Kneel and place your hands on the floor directly below your shoulders.
  2. Breathe in and tense your abdominal muscles... Read more

What Exactly Are Shoulder Calisthenics?

A calisthenic shoulder exercise is a form of exercise that mainly relies on using body weight as resistance. These exercises often involve dynamic movements that require a combination of shoulder stability movements.

Benefits Of Shoulder Calisthenics Exercises

Strength Building

Incorporating a calisthenics workout into your routine can effectively target your upper-body muscles and improve your overall strength. In fact, studies have shown that performing calisthenics exercises can be just as effective as traditional bench press training for building upper-body muscle mass and strength. The functional aspect of a lot of calisthenics workouts translates well in real-world situations. 

Postural Endurance

Shoulder calisthenics can significantly improve posture by strengthening the stabilizing muscles surrounding the upper back, neck, and shoulder blades. Exercises such as shoulder taps, dips, and lateral raises promote balanced and well-rounded shoulders. This increase in strength can translate directly to longer postural positions when sitting, standing, or performing other work-related tasks.

Convenience

Studies have shown that calisthenics is a great alternative to classical resistive training exercises that require dumbbells or other equipment. The benefits of calisthenics are that they are versatile, convenient, and a time-efficient way to improve health outcomes such as blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and body composition. 

Conclusion

This calisthenics shoulder workout offers a dynamic path to strength, flexibility, and sculpted shoulders all with the simplicity of bodyweight movements. Whether you’re a beginner venturing into fitness or just looking to avoid hectic gym crowds, these exercises redefine traditional workouts. 

Calisthenics is a popular workout option due to its convenience and versatility. Incorporate these shoulder exercises into your routine to improve your fitness, protect against disease, and achieve your desired physique without needing elaborate gym equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow your shoulder strength with calisthenics?

Yes, calisthenics are a great way to improve shoulder strength with bodyweight movements. Calisthenics challenges your shoulder stability, coordination, and balance.

Can you work your shoulders without using weights?

Yes, while weights are common to include in your arm and shoulder workout, they are not necessary to load and challenge your shoulders. 

What are the rear shoulder calisthenics exercises?

Prone IYT and Reverse Iron Cross Push-ups are the most specific exercises to target your rear delts and build strong shoulders.

Do pull-ups work your shoulders?

Even though pull-ups primarily target the latissimus dorsi, the largest muscle in your back, they also target the rhomboids and posterior deltoids. Pull-ups are an excellent choice for back development and offer a comprehensive upper-body workout. 

Resources

Endomondo.com refrains from utilizing tertiary references. We uphold stringent sourcing criteria and depend on peer-reviewed studies and academic research conducted by medical associations and institutions. For more detailed insights, you can explore further by reading our editorial process.

  1. Kotarsky, C.J., Christensen, B.K., Miller, J.S. and Hackney, K.J. (2018). Effect of Progressive Calisthenic Push-up Training on Muscle Strength and Thickness. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, [online] 32(3), pp.651–659. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002345.
  2. Hollingsworth, J.C., Young, K.C., Abdullah, S.F., Wadsworth, D.D., Abukhader, A., Elfenbein, B. and Holley, Z. (2020). Protocol for Minute Calisthenics: a randomized controlled study of a daily, habit-based, bodyweight resistance training program. BMC Public Health, [online] 20(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09355-4.
  3. Kamat, K., Kage, V. and Sequeira, S. (2023). Calisthenics versus Pilates training on glycemic control and body fat in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Physiotherapy Practice and Research, [online] 44(2), pp.99–108. doi:https://doi.org/10.3233/ppr-220688.
  4. Neslihan Duruturk, Hulya Arıkan, Ulubay, G. and Mustafa Agah Tekindal (2015). A comparison of calisthenic and cycle exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomized controlled trial. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, [online] 10(1), pp.99–108. doi:https://doi.org/10.1586/17476348.2015.1126419.

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