Target upper-crossed syndrome with this beginner posture-correcting warm-up. Hold each static pose for a minimum of 60 seconds. Each foam rolling stretch should also consist of 60 seconds of movement. Take your time, breathe deeply, and restore alignment!
Use a light weight (5 kg) and ensure your head remains on the floor.
About this workout
Beginner Dumbbell Upper-Crossed Posture Fix is a free 19 min workout plan with 7 illustrated exercises for your upper back, abs, back and chest. Follow the workout online, save it to your WorkoutLabs Fit account or download it as a printable PDF.
Tap any exercise in the workout to see the muscles worked, clear exercise illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Each workout includes sets, reps, rest times and notes so you can follow the plan without guessing.
You'll need dumbbells for this workout. Tap any exercise to see form instructions and possible substitutions if a piece of equipment isn't available.
How long does the Beginner Dumbbell Upper-Crossed Posture Fix take?
The full workout takes about 19 minutes, covering 7 exercises with prescribed sets, reps and rest periods. Using the built-in timers and auto-advance keeps you on pace from start to finish.
Is this workout suitable for my fitness level?
Yes – this is a beginner-friendly workout. Every exercise includes an illustration and step-by-step instructions, so you can learn proper form as you go. Start with lighter weights and focus on technique.
What muscles does this workout target?
This routine primarily works your upper back & lower traps, abs, neck & upper traps, quadriceps, shoulders, lower back. Tap any exercise in the workout to see a muscle diagram showing exactly which primary and secondary muscles it activates.
How often should I do this workout?
For get toned, increase flexibility, aim to do this workout 2–3 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Progress by gradually adding weight or reps, and pair it with workouts for other muscle groups during the week.
Can I download or save this workout?
Yes – you can download this workout as a free printable PDF using the download button, or save it to a free WorkoutLabs Fit account to follow it on your phone, customize the exercises and track your progress.
More free upper back, abs, back and chest workouts
Target upper-crossed syndrome with this beginner posture-correcting warm-up. Hold each static pose for a minimum of 60 seconds. Each foam rolling stretch should also consist of 60 seconds of movement. Take your time, breathe deeply, and restore alignment!
Auto-advanceStart exercises automatically after a 5-second delay
Sit on the ground and place a foam roller directly behind your lower back. Bend your knees and place your arms across your chest. Bring your feet to hip-width and allow them to support you as you carefully lean back and on to the foam roller.
Move your body down on the foam roller until it reaches your upper back. Brace your core and begin by slowly rolling your body up 2 to 3 inches.
Pause and slowly roll the opposite way. Be sure to roll out at different levels on your upper back.
Lower your left ear to your left shoulder as far as is comfortable.
Place your left hand on your head, just above the right ear and gently pull the head a little further to the left side to feel the stretch on the right side of your neck.
Lie face down on a mat, with your arms fully extended above your head and your legs fully extended behind you.
Lift your chest, arms and legs off the floor by arching your back. Only the tops of your quads and your lower abdomen should be in contact with the floor.
Hold for a count of 2 while squeezing your abdominals and obliques.
Return to the starting position for a count of one, then repeat.
This exercise can be done using one arm and it's opposite leg at a time. For example, right arm and left leg raised while your left arm and right leg remain on the floor. This method of execution allows you to use the free hand to push down on the floor to lift your chest higher from the ground.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
Lie face down on a hyper extension bench with your upper thighs and lower hips on the support pad. You must be able to bend at the waist freely.
Lock your ankles under the footpads.
Start with your body in a straight line head to toe.
Place your arms across your chest, behind or at the side of your head.
Slowly bend forward by relacing your, back and abdominal muscles.
Continue as far as possible without rounding your back or raising your thighs from the support pad. You should feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings.Hold for a count of one.
Return to the start position by contracting your back and abdominal muscles until your body is once again straight. Do not arch your back up at the end of the movement. Pause and repeat.
As your strength and flexibility increase, you can hold a weight plate against your chest for extra resistance.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Lie prone on a swiss ball with your feet hip width apart. You can place your feet against a wall for better stability. Clasp your hands behind your head with elbows pointing out.
Engage your abs and raise your torso off the ball, hyperextending your spine.
Return your torso to the ball to the starting position.
Begin by holding a pair of dumbbells and standing with a braced core. Bend at the knees slightly and lean forward from the hips. Maintain a flat back throughout.
Keeping your elbows slightly bent throughout the movement, lift the dumbbells up and out to the side. Be sure to focus the contraction in the back of the shoulders.
Pause at the top of the movement then slowly bring the dumbbells to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Shoulders
Begin by holding a pair of water bottles and standing with a braced core. Bend at the knees slightly and lean forward from the hips. Maintain a flat back throughout.
Keeping your elbows slightly bent throughout the movement, lift the water bottles up and out to the side. Be sure to focus the contraction in the back of the shoulders.
Pause at the top of the movement then slowly bring the water bottles to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Upper Back & Lower Traps
Secondary:
Middle Back / Lats
Adjust the cables so that the handles sit at chest height.
Grip the handle, across your body in a neutral grip, with both hands.
Keeping only a slight bend at your elbow, pull the cable back across your body using the muscles in your back.
Hold the flexed position for a full second before allowing the cable to pull you slowly back to the starting position.
Place a pair of dumbbells on the floor. Lie on your back in between the dumbbells. Bend your knees and move your feet towards your butt.
Grab the dumbbells and hold them above you. Allow your upper arms to remain on the floor. Begin the movement by pushing the dumbbells over your chest. Pause at the top and squeeze your chest muscles.
Slowly bring the weights down to the starting position, allowing your arms to rest for a brief moment before beginning the next repetition.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 7
Total time
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