Introduction
Have you ever heard of the chandelier workout? The name might sound a little strange. like something you do with the lights that hang from your ceiling. But don’t worry, you won’t really be climbing up or touching a chandelier. The chandelier exercise(CE) is an easy movement that helps you stretch, get stronger and improve your posture.
A lot of us spend hours at work sitting in front of computers, leaning over phones, or standing still. This makes our shoulders tight and our bodies stiff. That’s where the chandelier exercise(CE) comes in. It helps loosen up tight muscles, make you more flexible, and give your upper body a nice stretch.
We will explain the (CE) in the simplest way possible in this article, as if you were five years old. We’ll talk about what it is, why it’s good for you, how to do it step by step, common mistakes, and how it stacks up against other exercises like the cherry pickers exercise and Kegel exercises. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to do this move to feel stronger, lighter, and more energetic.
What is the Chandelier Workout?

The (CE) is a stretch in which you lift your arms, open your chest, and stretch as if you were holding an invisible chandelier over your head. That’s why it has this special name.
It is a combination of stretching and strengthening. The (CE) only needs your body, unlike heavy gym workouts that need machines or dumbbells. You can do it at home, at work, or even outside in the park.
The (CE) is mostly for:
- Shoulders—making them more flexible and less stiff.
- Arms—getting stronger and lasting longer.
- Core: using your stomach muscles while you reach up.
- Back and posture—helping you stand up straighter and taller.
It’s like a “reset button” for your body. The chandelier exercise can wake you up and give you more energy when your shoulders or back are stiff.
The Chandelier Exercise(CE) has these benefits:
The (CE) may seem easy, but it has a lot of benefits. Here’s why it’s a good idea to make it a part of your routine:
1. Makes it easier to move your shoulders
We use our shoulders a lot, but they can get stiff if we sit for long periods of time or have bad posture. The chandelier exercise makes them longer and stronger, which makes it easier to do things like lift, reach or carry things every day.
2. Helps with posture
When we sit or work, a lot of us lean forward without even knowing it. The (CE) opens up the chest and straightens the back, which helps with posture and lessens back pain.
3. Builds up the muscles in your arms and core
The (CE) may look like just a stretch, but it also works your core and arm muscles. Over time, this can help you get a stronger and more toned upper body.
4. Makes you less stressed and stiff
Stretching and raising your arms makes blood flow better and releases stress. This is why the (CE) is good for both getting fit and relaxing.
5. Simple and doesn’t need any tools
You don’t need weights, mats, or machines for the chandelier exercise like you do for heavy workouts. You can do it anywhere, at any time, even during a short break at work.
How to Do the Chandelier Exercise(CE) in Steps

Let’s learn how to do the (CE) the right way now that you know why it’s helpful. Let’s do these things:
Step 1: Get ready
- Stand up straight with your feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
Step 2: Put Your Arms Up
- As if you are holding a big chandelier, slowly raise both of your arms.
- Your elbows should be bent a little, not locked.
Step 3: Open Your Chest
- Stretch your arms out a little and. Keep them.
- Imagine that your chest is opening up and your back is getting longer.
Step 4: Use Your Core.
- Gently pull your stomach muscles tight.
- Don’t lean back; keep your back straight.
Step 5: Hold and Breathe
- Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly.
Step 6: Take it easy
- Bring your arms back down to your sides.
- For one set, do it 8 to 10 times.
Start with one set a day if you’re new to this. You can do two or three sets every day as you get used to it.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
The chandelier exercise is easy, but people sometimes do things wrong that make it less helpful. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Locking the elbows can put a lot of stress on them. Always keep a little bend.
- Overarching the back—don’t push your belly forward. Stay engaged in your core.
- Holding your breath—breathing is important for relaxing. Don’t forget it.
- Moving too quickly: The (CE) should be slow and controlled, not fast.
If you don’t make these mistakes, the exercise will be safer and more effective.
How to Get Better Results
- Check your form by doing the (CE) in front of a mirror.
- For more flexibility, do some light stretches before and after.
- Do it in the morning to wake up your body or in the evening to calm down.
- Do it every couple of hours if you work at a desk for a long time.
How it compares to other exercises

Chandelier Exercise vs. Cherry Pickers Exercise
The cherry pickers exercise is another easy move. You bend over and touch the ground in front of you, to the sides, and behind you, like you’re picking cherries. The (CE) works the arms, shoulders, and posture more than the core and legs.
Both are simple bodyweight exercises that help you become more flexible. You can mix them into your routine by doing cherry pickers for your lower body and (CE) for your upper body. They work together to make a balanced workout.
Chandelier Exercise vs. Kegel Workouts
Kegel exercises are very different from each other. They work on the pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles that hold up the bladder and other organs below the waist. The (CE) is about moving your body and standing up straight, while. Kegels are about strength and control inside your body.
But they both have one thing in common. you don’t need any equipment to do them. The (CE), like Kegel exercises, can be done anywhere, even at home, at work, or while travelling
Why You Should Include the Chandelier Exercise in Your Routine.
- It’s easy and good for beginners.
- You don’t need any special tools.
- It works on muscles that people don’t pay attention to very often
- You can do it with other exercises, like cherry pickers and Kegels, to work out your whole body.
Even if you don’t like working out, doing the (CE) for 5 to 10 minutes every day can help you relax, straighten your back. and lighten your shoulders.
FAQS
2: How long will it take for the chandelier workout to have an effect?
Most people notice that they are less stiff and their posture is better after two to three weeks of regular practice. You may need to work out every day for four to six weeks to see your arms and shoulders get stronger or more toned.
3: Can the chandelier exercise help with neck pain?
Yes, it can help with moderate neck pain by making your shoulders more flexible and your posture better. But if you hurt your neck or have a health problem, you should see a doctor before doing this exercise.
4: Is the chandelier exercise safe for older people?
Yes! The chandelier workout is safe for older people because it doesn't hurt them and is easy on their joints. It helps with blood flow, balance, and flexibility. To get the best results, seniors should work out slowly, breathe deeply, and not stretch too much.
5: Can you do the chandelier exercise every day?
Yes, you can do the chandelier exercise every day without any problems. It doesn't put too much stress on your muscles because it's low-impact. Practicing every day keeps your body flexible and less stiff, and over time it helps your posture.
Last Thoughts
At first, the chandelier exercise may seem strange, but it is a strong movement that makes your body feel strong, flexible and relaxed. You can stretch your shoulders, improve your posture, and strengthen your core by raising your arms, like you are holding a chandelier.
You don’t need any fancy machines or a gym membership; all you need is your body and some time. The (CE) is a simple but effective way to balance your fitness routine, unlike the cherry pickers exercise and Kegel exercises.
When your shoulders or back feel tight, remember the chandelier exercise. It’s fast, simple, and works better than you might think. You can light up your body like a chandelier lights up a room in just a few minutes a day.