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Exercise handout — move better, feel better.
Standing Isometric Shoulder Adduction Against a Folded Towel
You stand upright with a folded hand towel wedged between the inside of one upper arm and your side. You press your arm into the towel and hold.
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
Home Options
- towel
Dosage
1
Sets
30 sec
Reps / Time
45 sec
Rest
controlled
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up
- Stand tall and relaxed on a flat floor with both feet flat about hip-width apart and nothing in either hand.
- Fold a plain hand towel into a thick pad and wedge it between the inside of your right upper arm and the side of your right ribs, its top end in your armpit, then let the arm hang beside you with the elbow bent only slightly.

Step 1 of 3
Stand tall with a folded towel wedged between your right upper arm and the side of your ribs. Let your arm rest beside you on the towel, with the elbow just slightly bent.

Step 2 of 3
Push your arm softly in toward your ribs onto the towel and keep it there. Keep your shoulder relaxed and your posture tall.

Step 3 of 3
Stand tall with a folded towel wedged between your right upper arm and the side of your ribs. Let your arm rest beside you on the towel, with the elbow just slightly bent.
Safety Information
Avoid shrugging your shoulder, and focus on a steady, good-quality press rather than on force. Press gently: a steady press, no jerk. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.