How to Do the Club Inside Circle

The club inside circle is a one-handed circle where the club passes across your body toward the center line. It is a mobility and control drill for your shoulders, chest and elbow flexors. It is beginner friendly and a good first club move.

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Muscles worked

Primary

  • Shoulders
  • Chest

Secondary

  • Forearms
  • Biceps

How to do the Club Inside Circle

  1. 1

    Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the club in one hand.

  2. 2

    Keep your elbow soft and your wrist neutral.

  3. 3

    Swing the club across your body toward your center line.

  4. 4

    Let it circle up and around in a smooth arc.

  5. 5

    Bend your elbow as the club passes and return to the start.

  6. 6

    Pause in the start position before the next rep.

  7. 7

    Finish your reps and switch hands.

Form cues to remember

  • Smooth, controlled circle
  • Soft elbow, neutral wrist
  • Chest stays open
  • Pause between reps

Common mistakes

Using a club that is too heavy

Pick a light club so the circle stays smooth and relaxed.

Rushing the circle

Slow down and focus on guiding the club through the arc.

Hunching your shoulders

Relax your shoulders and keep your chest open.

Locking your wrist

Let your wrist move freely so the club can roll in your hand.

Sets and reps

Mobility2–3 sets of 8–10 slow reps each hand, 45 seconds rest
Muscle growth2–3 sets of 10–12 reps each hand with a light club

Use a light club and plenty of space so you don't hit yourself. Stop if you feel sharp pain in your shoulder or elbow.

Superlift for iPhone

Track your Club Inside Circle and watch it go up

Superlift shows what you lifted last time, times your rest, and charts your strength week by week, so you always know what to beat. Every exercise in this library is built in, with the same demos and tutorials.

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Logging sets, reps and weight in SuperliftStrength progression chart in SuperliftExercise instructions and video tutorials in Superlift

Club Inside Circle FAQ

Is the club inside circle a good warm-up?

Yes. With a light club it warms up your shoulders and wrists and teaches the basic circle used in many other club moves.

What is the difference between the inside circle and the outside circle?

The inside circle moves the club across your body, and the outside circle moves it away from your body. They open different parts of your shoulder.

What club weight should a beginner use?

Start with a light club, often 5 lb (2.3 kg) or less, and increase only when the circle stays smooth.

Club Inside Circle alternatives

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