Exercise · Upper body

Band pull-aparts

  • Strength

Works: Upper back and the backs of your shoulders.

Add to a routineUsed in 2 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of band pull-aparts, seen from the front: holding a band with the arms straight out in front, then pulling the hands out to the sides so the band comes to the chest.
  1. Hold a resistance band in front of you at shoulder height, hands shoulder-width apart, arms straight.
  2. Pull the band apart by moving your hands out to the sides, until it touches your chest.
  3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together.
  4. Return slowly.

Watch out for

Shrugging, and arching your lower back.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1A lighter band, with your hands further apart.
  2. 2Band pull-aparts.
  3. 3Hands closer together or a stronger band, holding for two seconds when the band touches your chest.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.