How to do a Loop Band Shoulder Squeeze
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Loop Band Shoulder Squeeze
Instructions for Proper Form
Loop Band Shoulder Squeeze is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your back, but also hits your shoulders, traps, and triceps. The use of a loop band increases tension as you progress through the movement, making this a great exercise for developing strength near the end of your range of motion. This is a great addition later in your workout when you really want to fatigue your back, and build some muscle.
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart grabbing a resistance band with an overhand grip with your arms extended in front of you at shoulder height.
- Pull the band apart by bringing your arms away from each other in a circular motion until your arms are directly lateral to your shoulders while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Return your extended arms back to the starting position.
Common Form Mistakes
Varying Tension with Bands
Resistance increases as you stretch a band. Make sure you’re using a band that allows you to move through your full range of motion. The resistance may feel too light during parts of the movement.
Sets & Reps Calculator
Average Loop Band Shoulder Squeeze standards by male, female, gender, weight, age and height
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Alternative Exercises to Loop Band Shoulder Squeeze
1. Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly
81.9 mSCORESWAPPED 71 TIMESDumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the posterior deltoids (back of the shoulder). The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for strength discrepancies between sides. Leaning forward during the exercise allows for better isolation of the targeted shoulder muscles while also recruiting some muscle activation in the upper back.
2. Dumbbell Bent Over Row
94.4 mSCORESWAPPED 52 TIMESDumbbell Bent Over Row is a compound exercise that primarily targets the back, but also hits biceps. The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for any discrepancies in strength between sides, as well as adds more instability to the movement compared to equipment like barbells. This can be a great addition to any back workout for building muscle mass and strength.
3. Dumbbell Row
99.9 mSCORESWAPPED 41 TIMESThis compound movement primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps, as well as requiring some core activation for stability. By bracing yourself on the flat bench, you can position your torso parallel to the ground, without needing specific equipment. This is a great exercise with or without limited equipment, and a staple in many back workouts.
4. Loop Band Bent Over Row
32.3 mSCORESWAPPED 38 TIMESA compound exercise, the Loop Band Bent Over Row targets the back, shoulders, and biceps. It offers the benefit of adjustable resistance through band tension, making it versatile for strength levels. The movement enhances back strength and posture.
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5. Loop Band Overhead Pull Apart
20.3 mSCORESWAPPED 37 TIMESA dynamic exercise targeting the posterior shoulder muscles, upper back, and improving shoulder mobility. By pulling the loop band apart overhead, it effectively engages the rear deltoids, rhomboids, and traps, essential for enhancing posture and reducing the risk of shoulder injuries. The overhead motion increases shoulder flexibility and strength, making it an excellent addition to both warm-up routines and strength training sessions.
- Beginner
- Back
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6. Lat Pulldown
100 mSCORESWAPPED 35 TIMESThis compound exercise primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps. The movement itself is based on a Pull Up, however, by locking your legs into place, you can add significantly more stability to the movement making it easier to complete a rep, as well as getting control over the resistance. This exercise can be easily adapted to meet your needs with different handles.
- Beginner
- Back
- Lat Pulldown
7. Loop Band Seated Row
28.7 mSCORESWAPPED 24 TIMESSimilar to other Seated Row variations, this is a compound back exercise. The use of a loop band allows for increasing tension as you progress through the movement. This is especially useful if you’re looking to develop strength at the end of your rows. The downside is that there is less tension as you extend your arms, so focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
- Beginner
- Back
- Loop Bands
8. Straight-Arm Pulldown
81.4 mSCORESWAPPED 22 TIMESThis is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your back. Pulling the bar down in an arc with your arms straight helps to remove muscle groups like biceps from the movement, and allows you to focus your attention on your back. You can further adjust where in your back you’re targeting by moving your hands closer to the ends of the bar.
- Beginner
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9. Prone W’s
1.3 mSCORESWAPPED 19 TIMESProne W's are an isolation exercise that primarily targets the upper back and shoulders, specifically the rear deltoids and rhomboids. By lying prone and lifting your arms into a 'W' shape, you isolate the upper back muscles. This is a great exercise for improving posture, shoulder stability, and increasing muscle strength in the upper back.
- Beginner
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10. Mini Loop Band Single Leg Romanian Deadlift with Row
18.2 mSCORESWAPPED 17 TIMESA compound exercise that combines balance, strength, and coordination, targeting the hamstrings, glutes, back, and biceps. The addition of a row with the mini loop band intensifies the workout, improving posture and upper body strength, offering a multifaceted benefit that surpasses traditional deadlifts.
- Beginner
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