How to Perform Arm Hugs
Table of Contents
What Are Arm Hugs
Arm hugs are an exercise move that targets the chest and shoulder muscles, wherein you stretch your arms out wide as if you were going to hug someone and then bring them together in front of you. This action is repeated multiple times, often with resistance bands or weights, to strengthen and tone the upper body.
How to Do Arm Hugs
Stand in an upright position. Arms outstretched at the sides of your body at shoulder height. Keep your arms straight and embrace your upper body with both arms. Repeat this motion, bringing your arms behind your back with each repetition. Keep the rest of your body still and core braced throughout.
Benefits of the Arm Hugs
Great active and dynamic warm-up tool for the upper chest and back muscles. It helps increase the range of motion and flexibility of the shoulder joints. Stabilizing your torso is also required while performing this movement.
Muscles Worked While Performing Arm Hugs
Why Are the Arm Hugs Useful
Arm hugs are a great way to open up the muscles of the upper chest, shoulders, and back. It’s great to incorporate into your daily regimen if you find that your overall posture needs improvement.
Chest Hugs & Dynamic Hug
The chest hugs and the dynamic hug is also known as arm hugs. Stand tall, arms stretched, shoulder height going back and forth while embracing your core muscles and standing straight. Repeat this motion is brining your arms back behind your body each time.
Variations of Arm Hugs
Regression: Single Arm Cross Body Hug
Stretch one arm out and away from the body and cross the arm inward at chest level. Alternate and repeat on the other side.
Regression: Cross Body Hugs in a Seated Position
Simply sit upright on a chair or stool and perform the exercise.
Progression: Hug with Resistance Band
Use a thin resistance band. Place it around a pole or doorknob. Face away from the anchor. Grasp the band with both hands on either side of the body. Pull the band with both hands to the front of the chest. Round the elbows as you push the band forward. Visualize that you’re about to hug a tree. As you push the band forward bring your knuckles together to touch slightly at sternum level. As you release the band, bring the elbows back into the sides of your torso. Repeat for desired reps.
Progression: Hug with a Pair of Light Dumbbells
To advance this movement you can simply replace the resistance band with a pair of light dumbbells.
