Want to Age Well? Do Wall Angels for Strong, Pain-Free Shoulders
As we age, it is incredibly important to keep our shoulders mobile, healthy, and strong. The wall angel exercise does exactly that. Read more to learn about how to incorporate this shoulder mobility exercise into your workout routine.
Shoulder mobility isn’t necessarily on top of most people’s minds, but when you lose it, you feel its importance like no other.
Pain-free shoulders are the enablers of simple everyday tasks like driving and carrying grocery bags.
Without them, any arm movements won’t be possible.
But thankfully, keeping your shoulders strong and pain-free is fairly easy to achieve with this simple wall exercise.
The wall angel exercise is an exercise that name pretty much says it all. It involves standing against a wall and making snow angels, and it’s a great move for shoulder mobility and strength.
But don’t let its simplicity underestimate its effectiveness and how challenging it is.
It not only activates your core, shoulders, and back muscles, but it also works the rotator cuff muscles to add mobility and flexibility.
It’s a no-equipment exercise you can do anywhere at home, hotel room, or office.
Here Is How to Do The Wall Angels
- Stand straight against a flat wall with your feet hip-width apart. Slightly bend your knees and engage your core.
- Tuck your tailbone and gently press your lower back against the wall to keep a flat back.
- Tuck your chin, so the back of your neck can lengthen.
- Bring your arms out to your sides and bend your elbows at 90 degrees. Keep your elbows in line with your upper arms at shoulder height. Keep your hands open and make sure to have the back of your hands touching the wall. You should feel your shoulders open and gentle stretch in your chest holding this position.
- Press your hips, entire back, arms, and head against the wall, and make sure all points are in contact with the wall.
- From this position, slowly slide your arms up the wall as far as you can comfortably. Feel the shoulder blades working as you slide your arms.
- Hold for 1-2 breaths, then return to the starting position by reversing the motion. Perform 8-10 repetitions.