How to Do the Club Outside Circle

The club outside circle is a one-handed circle where the club swings away from your body before looping back. It opens up your chest and trains your shoulders and lats through a smooth arc. It is a beginner movement and often paired with the inside circle.

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Muscles worked

Primary

  • Shoulders
  • Lats

Secondary

  • Triceps
  • Forearms

How to do the Club Outside Circle

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    Keep your wrist neutral and your elbow soft.

  3. 3

    Swing the club out away from your body.

  4. 4

    Let it circle up and around in a smooth arc.

  5. 5

    Keep your chest open and your shoulder blade moving freely.

  6. 6

    Return the club to the start position.

  7. 7

    Finish your reps and switch hands.

Form cues to remember

  • Open your chest
  • Smooth, relaxed arc
  • Soft elbow
  • Return to start every rep

Common mistakes

Rounding your shoulders

Keep your chest open and your shoulder blades moving.

Moving too fast

Slow the circle until you can control the club the whole way.

Using too much weight

Choose a light club that lets you move freely.

Locking your elbow

Keep a soft bend so your arm can guide the circle.

Sets and reps

Mobility2–3 sets of 8–10 slow reps each hand, 45 seconds rest
Endurance2–3 sets of 15–20 light reps each hand

Give yourself plenty of space and start light. Stop if you feel pinching or sharp pain at the front or top of your shoulder.

Superlift for iPhone

Track your Club Outside 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 Outside Circle FAQ

What muscles does the club outside circle work?

Your shoulders and lats do most of the work, with your triceps and forearms helping control the club.

Should I do the inside or outside circle first?

Either works. Many people start with the inside circle because it feels more natural, then add the outside circle.

Can I do club circles every day?

With a light club, daily sessions are fine for mobility. Go slower if your shoulders feel sore.

Club Outside Circle alternatives

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