Chair String Pulls: how to do it

Chair String Pulls

Gentle

Seated

Upper back & posture

Neck & shoulders

Arms

Starts at 5:17 in “Seniors Over 60: Do This Chair Workout Daily & See What Happens”. The time is from YouTube's automatic chapters, so it may be a few seconds out.

What it is

Arms out to the sides at shoulder height, then pull back in small movements as if stretching a string.

How to do it

Sit tall with arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height.
Pull your arms back slightly, squeezing your shoulder blades.
Release a little and pull again.
Keep the arms level the whole time.

Key tip: If your arms get tired, lower them a little rather than stopping.

Who should skip it, and why

Holding your arms at shoulder height hurts your shoulder. Holding that position loads the shoulder tendons. Lower the arms or skip it.

Easier and harder versions

Easier: Arms lower and bent at the elbow.
Harder: Turn your palms up as you pull.

How much

In our videos each move runs for about 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest. Start with less if you need to. Comfortable effort is the goal, not exhaustion.

Try it: 3 rounds of 40 seconds

Stop straight away and get help if you feel:

chest pain, pressure or tightness
dizziness, light-headedness or faintness
breathlessness that doesn't settle when you rest
sharp or joint pain, or pain that gets worse as you go
numbness, tingling, or a sudden severe headache

This is general exercise information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, or you've had a fall, injury or surgery recently, check with your doctor or physiotherapist first.