Shoulder Shrugs for Neck & Shoulder Tension Relief
Do your shoulders and upper back feel tight or knotted up? Does your neck feel stiff after a long day? This gentle shoulder shrug exercise can help ease tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back while encouraging postural awareness and more relaxed breathing
Best of all — you can do it almost anywhere. Practice it seated or standing whenever stress, long hours at a desk or everyday life leave you feeling tense and achy. By combining mindful movement with focused breathing, you'll help reduce muscle tension and improve neck & shoulder mobility.
Exercises start at 1:10.
Want to learn more about what may be contributing to neck and shoulder tension? Read: The Hidden Habits That Keep Your Neck & Shoulders Tight
LENGTH:
4 Minutes
LEVEL:
All Levels
EQUIPMENT:
None
Benefits
Relieve neck, shoulder and upper back stiffness
Stress relief
Improve alignment and posture
Workout Focus
Shoulder mobility
Posture
Seated stretches
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
This workout is intended for general fitness and educational purposes and is not individualized instruction. Physical exercise involves an inherent risk of injury. Please work within your own abilities and stop if you experience pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath or feel unwell. If you have an injury, medical condition or other concern about whether exercise is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare professional before participating.
See the full Exercise Disclaimer in our Terms of Service.
Keep Moving
Continue your practice with a few workouts that support similar goals.
Foam Roller for Neck Tension
1 min ● All Levels ● Foam Roller
Stretches for Neck & Upper Back
10 min ● All Levels ● Foam Roller
Pilates for Upper Body Strength
45 min ● Intermediate ● Resistance Band
Explore More Workouts by Goal
Whether you're looking to relieve pain and stiffness, improve posture, build strength, or move with greater confidence, explore workouts organized around the goals that matter most to you.
Relieve Pain & Stiffness
Ease tension, aches
& stiffness
EXPLORE →
Improve Mobility
Increase flexibility & joint mobility
EXPLORE →
Improve Posture
Stand taller with
better alignment
EXPLORE →
Build Strength & Stability
Build functional, full-body strength
EXPLORE →
Improve Balance
Enhance balance & coordination
EXPLORE →
Stay Connected
Enjoying this workout? Receive new workouts, movement tips, practical guidance and early access to new programs — all designed to help you move with greater comfort, confidence and ease.