Fysiqal

Carry & Anti-Movement Core · Intermediate

Shoulder Taps

Isolation carry & anti-movement core exercise using bodyweight.
Shoulder Taps demonstration (no audio).
Difficulty
Intermediate
Equipment
Bodyweight
Mechanics
Isolation
Sides
Alternating
Main plane
Transverse

Free account. Log your sets of Shoulder Taps and each workout shows your best set by estimated 1RM.

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How to do the Shoulder Taps

Cues reviewed by Kwabena Osei on

Setup

High plank position, hands under shoulders, feet a bit wider than hip-width for stability.

  1. Lift one hand to tap the opposite shoulder, then place it back down and repeat with the other hand.

  2. Keep your hips as still and level as possible throughout -- this is an anti-rotation exercise, so resisting hip sway is the actual point of the movement.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the hips rock side to side with each tap instead of keeping them still and square to the floor.

  • Rushing the taps, which makes it harder to resist the rotational pull each tap creates.

Muscles worked

Primary

Secondary

How the knowledge graph models this movement

Each joint action, with the role and emphasis the graph assigns each muscle. These are qualitative anatomical labels, not measured muscle activation.

  • Spine rotationprimary action · resisted

    External oblique (prime mover, high emphasis); Internal oblique (prime mover, high emphasis); Transverse abdominis (stabilizer, moderate emphasis); Rectus abdominis (stabilizer, moderate emphasis); Multifidus (stabilizer, low emphasis); Erector spinae (stabilizer, low emphasis); Quadratus lumborum (stabilizer, low emphasis)

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From the Knowledge Library

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy or medical conditions.