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PADDLE CIRCLES - HORIZONTAL ROTATION

Strengthen shoulder and rotator cuff muscles through circular paddle movements.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment Yes

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet shoulder-width apart and spine neutral.
  2. Hold the paddles about shoulder height with elbows straight.
  3. Be sure the paddles are in the water.
  4. Move your arms to make circles with the paddles.
  5. Go in one direction for prescribed repetitions, and then go in the other direction.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Keep elbows straight. Move paddles in smooth circles. Feel shoulder muscles working. Maintain controlled movement.

Safety & Precautions

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

Additional Safety Notes: Do not force the movement. Stop if you experience pain. Keep paddles submerged.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase repetitions. Increase circle size. Increase movement speed.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease repetitions. Decrease circle size. Decrease movement speed.

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