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Band Pull-Apart

BeginnerStrengthTier T1
Band Pull-Apart

Hold band in front and pull it apart by squeezing shoulder blades. Simple but effective.

Targets: Shoulder
Muscles: Deltoids, Rhomboids, Middle Trapezius

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

resistance_bands

Home Options

  • resistance band

No equipment? Try: Towel with resistance from partner

Dosage

3

Sets

15

Reps / Time

30 sec

Rest

2 apart / 1 hold / 2 return

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Hold resistance band in front of chest
  • Arms straight, shoulder-width apart
  • Slight tension on band to start
  1. Band Pull-Apart - Step 1 of 5: Keep arms straight throughout

    Step 1 of 5

    Keep arms straight throughout

  2. Band Pull-Apart - Step 2 of 5: Pull the band apart by squeezing shoulder blades

    Step 2 of 5

    Pull the band apart by squeezing shoulder blades

  3. Band Pull-Apart - Step 3 of 5: Bring hands out to your sides

    Step 3 of 5

    Bring hands out to your sides

  4. Band Pull-Apart - Step 4 of 5: Hold for 1 second at full stretch

    Step 4 of 5

    Hold for 1 second at full stretch

  5. Band Pull-Apart - Step 5 of 5: Return slowly to start

    Step 5 of 5

    Return slowly to start

Breathing

  • Breathe out as you pull apart
  • Breathe in as you return

Form Cues

  • Keep arms straight
  • Squeeze between shoulder blades
  • Don't shrug
  • Control the return

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Bending elbows
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Not squeezing back enough
  • Releasing too fast

Safety Information

Very safe. Great daily exercise for posture.

Progressions

Use heavier band or add pause

Band Face PullBeginner

Regressions

Use lighter band or wider grip