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HORIZONTAL ABDUCTION - ARM OUT TO SIDES

Strengthen lateral shoulder and upper back muscles through horizontal abduction movements.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment None

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at sides.
  2. Start with your arms crossed in front of you at waist level, thumbs up, and arms close to your body.
  3. Push your arms out to your sides with elbows bent at 90 degrees.
  4. Then pull them back in so they cross in front of your stomach.
  5. Complete prescribed repetitions with controlled movements.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Bend elbows at 90 degrees. Move arms out slowly and controlled. Feel the shoulder muscles working.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute shoulder injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range. Modify if experiencing shoulder pain.

Additional Safety Notes: Do not extend arms beyond comfortable range. Stop if you experience pain. Keep movements smooth.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase repetitions. Increase movement speed. Add hand resistance.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease repetitions. Decrease range of motion. Slower movement pace.

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorOhio State University Wexner Medical Center
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatic Exercises
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypeBook
Additional InfoOhio State Wexner Medical Center Physical Therapy Education