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PVC Around the World

Beginner
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A dynamic mobility exercise using a PVC pipe in circular motions around the head and body to enhance shoulder flexibility and activate upper back and shoulder muscles for warm-ups.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Chest

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Others

Training Style

Warm-up
Mobility Flow

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts, Rear Delts

Traps

6/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Lats

4/10

Chest

3/10

Upper Chest

Abs

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-10 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Brief rest between directions

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a PVC pipe horizontally in front of your hips with arms straight and overhand grip wider than shoulders.

  1. Swing arms to one side, raising one arm overhead while keeping the other low.
  2. Rotate pipe behind head, opening shoulders and maintaining straight arms.
  3. Bring top hand down to opposite side, mirroring the initial swing.
  4. Complete circle by swinging pipe back to front at chest level.
  5. Return to starting position at hips.
  6. Reverse direction for balanced mobility.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep arms straight
  • Engage core
  • Open shoulders wide
  • Move fluidly
  • Widen grip if tight

Breathing

Inhale as you initiate the stretch, exhale through the rotation to maintain control and brace core.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Full continuous circle around body from front to back and sides, arms straight without elbow bend; adjust grip if needed.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if sharp shoulder pain occurs
  • Avoid if recent shoulder injury
  • Widen grip to prevent strain
  • Perform slowly to assess mobility

Spotting

No spotting needed; self-monitor form and stop if discomfort arises.

Common Mistakes

  • Bending elbows
  • Jerky motions
  • Arching back
  • Narrow grip too soon
  • Uneven circles

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent rotator cuff injury
  • Labral tears

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion beyond 150 degrees
  • Thoracic spine rotation

Build Up First

  • Basic standing posture
  • Familiarity with PVC pass-throughs

Also known as

PVC Figure 8, PVC Shoulder Circles, PVC Dislocates

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