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Best Shoulders Workouts With Resistance Bands

About

Resistance bands are a versatile tool that utilize their elasticity to provide varying levels of resistance throughout an exercise range of motion.

This unique property enables customized resistance tailored to individual capabilities.

The shoulder muscles, or deltoids, are crucial for controlling and stabilizing shoulder movements in various upper-body workouts.

Common exercises for targeting this muscle group include overhead presses and straight arm raises, both of which can be enhanced using resistance bands.

The 15 Best Shoulders Exercises with Resistance Bands

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Handle Band Forward Raise

    Handle Band Forward Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    221,918
    Shoulders Strength
    83 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Forward Raise is a shoulder exercise that uses a resistance band to build strength. It helps isolate the shoulder muscles and prevents using your lower body to cheat the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and place a resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the handles with an overhand grip next to your hips.
    3. Raise the handles in a circular motion above your head while keeping your arms straight.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 2. Handle Band Lateral Raise

    Handle Band Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    220,604
    Shoulders Strength
    76 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Lateral Raise targets the shoulder muscles, specifically the lateral deltoids, using a resistance band. This exercise increases shoulder strength and width while being easier on the joints compared to dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place the resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the band handles with an overhand grip, keeping your knuckles facing out.
    3. Lift the handles out to the sides in a circular motion until they are above your head, keeping your arms straight.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 3. Handle Band Shoulder Press

    Handle Band Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    183,818
    Shoulders Strength
    79 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Shoulder Press is a great exercise for building strength in your shoulders and arms. It uses a resistance band to offer a full range of motion while being easier on your joints than dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place a resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the handles at shoulder height with your palms facing forward.
    3. Press the handles overhead until they are above your shoulders.
    4. Lower the handles back to shoulder height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 4. Handle Band Upright Row

    Handle Band Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    209,387
    Shoulders Strength
    76 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Upright Row targets your shoulders and upper back using a resistance band. It helps improve posture while reducing the risk of shoulder injuries compared to using a barbell.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place a resistance band under your feet.
    2. Hold the handles with an overhand grip in front of your hips.
    3. Pull your elbows up to shoulder height, keeping the handles close to your body.
    4. Lower back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 5. Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly

    Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    213,849
    Shoulders Strength
    83 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly is a simple exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper back. By using a mini loop band, you add resistance which helps improve muscle strength and stability while promoting shoulder health.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and wrap a band around your wrists with arms extended to the sides.
    2. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and raise your arms overhead.
    3. Push your wrists apart to form a 'Y' shape with your arms.
    4. Return to shoulder-width and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 6. Mini Loop Band Reverse Fly

    Mini Loop Band Reverse Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    78,912
    Shoulders Strength
    85 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Reverse Fly strengthens the muscles in your upper back and shoulders. Using a mini loop band adds extra resistance, which helps build muscle and improve posture for better upper body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and hold the band with both hands, palms facing each other and arms extended to your sides.
    2. Lift your arms to shoulder height and then move your hands apart to the sides.
    3. Slowly bring your hands back to the starting position and repeat as needed.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 7. Mini Loop Band Lateral Shoulder Raise

    Mini Loop Band Lateral Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    101,538
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Lateral Shoulder Raise strengthens your shoulder muscles using a resistance band. This exercise helps improve muscle tone and stability in your shoulders.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your elbows bent at 90 degrees and a loop band around your forearms, just in front of your elbows.
    2. Raise your arms out to the sides while keeping your elbows bent and in line with your torso.
    3. Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 8. Mini Loop Band Alternating Lateral Shoulder Raise

    Mini Loop Band Alternating Lateral Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    84,672
    Shoulders Strength
    89 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Alternating Lateral Shoulder Raise targets your shoulder muscles while using a resistance band for added strength. By raising one arm at a time, you also engage your core for better stability and balance.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with a band wrapped around your forearms near your elbows.
    2. Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle without moving them away from your body.
    3. Raise your right elbow to shoulder height while keeping your left elbow in place.
    4. Lower your right elbow back down, then raise your left elbow to shoulder height.
    5. Continue alternating arms for the set number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 9. Loop Band Seated Shoulder Press

    Loop Band Seated Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    36,813
    Shoulders Strength
    94 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Seated Shoulder Press is a simple exercise that helps build strength in your shoulders and upper body while seated. This position allows you to focus on your deltoids with stability and is ideal for those with limited mobility in their legs.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the ground with your legs crossed or stretched out.
    2. Place the loop band under your butt so you are sitting on it securely.
    3. Hold the band with both hands, shoulder-width apart, with palms facing forward and elbows bent at your sides.
    4. Press your arms straight up overhead, keeping your wrists and forearms straight.
    5. Keep your back straight during the exercise and lower your arms back to the starting position slowly.
  • 10. Loop Band Face Pull

    Loop Band Face Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    66,411
    Shoulders Strength
    73 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Face Pull strengthens the upper back and shoulders, helping improve posture and shoulder health. Using a resistance band makes this exercise adaptable and effective for beginners.

    How to do it

    1. Anchor the loop band at head height.
    2. Stand facing the anchor and grab the band with both hands in an overhand grip.
    3. Step back to create tension in the band with your arms straight.
    4. Keep your arms parallel to the ground and engage your core.
    5. Pull the band towards your chin by bending your elbows and letting your hands move apart slightly.
    6. Return to the starting position slowly and repeat.
  • 11. Loop Band Shoulder External Rotation

    Loop Band Shoulder External Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    64,931
    Shoulders Strength
    52 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band Shoulder External Rotation exercise strengthens the rotator cuff muscles, improving shoulder stability and mobility. It is suitable for everyone, especially athletes looking to enhance shoulder health and prevent injuries.

    How to do it

    1. Attach the resistance band to a pole at elbow height.
    2. Stand a few feet away from the pole, feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Grab the band with the outside hand and keep your elbow close to your torso.
    4. Rotate your arm away from your stomach, keeping your forearm parallel to the ground.
    5. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 12. Loop Band Shoulder External Rotation at 90°

    Loop Band Shoulder External Rotation at 90° demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    43,105
    Shoulders Strength
    71 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    This exercise strengthens the shoulder muscles responsible for external rotation, which is important for everyday movements and sports. Using a loop band allows you to adjust the resistance for a more effective workout while promoting shoulder stability and injury prevention.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap a resistance band around a pole at shoulder height.
    2. Stand facing the pole with your elbow bent at 90 degrees and forearm pointing towards it, holding the band in an overhand grip.
    3. Rotate the band upward until your forearm is vertical, keeping your elbow still.
    4. Lower back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 13. Loop Band Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90°

    Loop Band Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90° demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    35,589
    Shoulders Strength
    77 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    This exercise strengthens the rotator cuff by focusing on internal shoulder rotation with the arm at a 90-degree angle. Using a loop band helps improve shoulder stability, which is important for everyday movements and sports activities.

    How to do it

    1. Wrap a resistance band around a pole at shoulder height.
    2. Stand facing away from the pole with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Bend your elbow to 90 degrees at shoulder height, holding the band with an overhand grip.
    4. Rotate your arm forward until your forearm is parallel to the floor, keeping your elbow still.
    5. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
  • 14. Mini Loop Band Scapular Retraction

    Mini Loop Band Scapular Retraction demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    50,022
    Shoulders Strength
    87 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Scapular Retraction exercise strengthens the upper back and improves posture. Using a mini loop band adds resistance, making it a great choice for preventing shoulder injuries.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and hold the band with both hands, palms facing up, and elbows bent at 90 degrees at your sides.
    2. Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull your fists apart, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    3. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat for the specified number of times.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
    4
    9reps
  • 15. Loop Band High Pull

    Loop Band High Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    39,444
    Shoulders Strength
    73 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Loop Bands
    Loop Bands

    The Loop Band High Pull is a great exercise for strengthening your shoulders, upper back, and traps. Using a loop band provides adjustable resistance that is easier on your joints than traditional weights.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly out.
    2. Place the loop band under the middle of your feet and grip it with both hands in front of your hips.
    3. Pull your elbows up to head height while raising your hands to shoulder height, keeping the band close to your body.
    4. Lower back to the starting position at a steady pace and repeat.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Resistance Bands

Alternative Shoulders Workouts

Alternative Shoulders Workouts with Resistance Bands