Arm Scissors / Arm Swings Overview
Arm scissors, also known as scissor exercises or arm swings, are a dynamic bodyweight exercise that targets the pectoral and shoulder muscles. This exercise involves swinging the arms back and forth in a scissor-like motion. It’s often used as a warm-up exercise before more intense workouts to get your upper body ready for activity.
How To Do:
- Start Position: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
- Extend Arms: Stretch your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
- Cross Over: Swing your arms across your chest, overlapping one over the other like scissors.
- Return and Repeat: Open your arms back to the sides and repeat for 15-20 reps.
Benefits of Arm Scissors
Warm-up and pre-activity preparation:
Arm scissors are an excellent warm-up exercise, especially before activities that involve the upper body. This dynamic movement activates your shoulder, chest, and arm muscles while gently increasing your heart rate. It prepares your body for more intense workouts by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of injury.
Shoulder mobility and flexibility:
The swinging motion of arm scissors helps improve shoulder mobility and flexibility. It encourages a wide range of motion in the shoulders, which is beneficial for exercises that involve overhead movements, pushing, and pulling.
Chest Activation:
As you cross your arms in front of your body during arm scissors, the pectoral muscles (chest muscles) are engaged. While the engagement is not as significant as in exercises specifically targeting the chest, arm scissors still provide a mild stimulus to the chest muscles.
Arm Scissors / Muscles Worked
