Warm-Up & Mobility

PVC Pass-Through — Simple Warm-Up Guide

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By Borja Bes — CrossFit Athlete & Hyrox Finisher

PVC pass-throughs prepare overhead range by moving a wide grip from the front of the body to the back. They should feel smooth through the shoulders; the goal is controlled mobility, not forcing a narrow grip. Use it to raise temperature, rehearse clean positions, and prepare the joints without creating fatigue before the main workout.

Quick answer

PVC pass-throughs prepare overhead range by moving a wide grip from the front of the body to the back. Use PVC Pass-Through before training at an easy, controlled pace; finish feeling warmer or moving more freely, never fatigued.

Curated demonstration

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How to do a PVC Pass Through Stretch by Wodstar

Wodstar · reviewed 2026-08-06

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Muscles Worked

ShouldersChestUpper back

Equipment

PVC pipe or light dowel

Best For, Avoid If, and Scaling

Best forUsing PVC Pass-Through to prepare shoulders and chest before sessions that include Arm Circles, without spending energy needed for the main work.
Avoid ifAvoid or scale PVC Pass-Through if pain changes the movement or the intended position cannot be controlled. Correct this common fault before adding volume: bending the elbows to hide limited shoulder range.
ScalingUse a wider grip or move only to the top of the head.

How to Do the PVC Pass-Through

1

Hold a PVC pipe with a very wide overhand grip.

2

Brace the trunk and keep the elbows straight.

3

Move the pipe overhead and behind the body in a pain-free arc.

4

Return to the front, widening the grip if the motion catches.

Common Mistakes

✕

Bending the elbows to hide limited shoulder range.

✕

Arching the lower back to move the pipe behind the head.

Coaching Tips

✓

Begin with arm circles if the shoulders feel cold.

✓

Slide the hands wider at the first sign of pinching.

Scaling Options

Easier / Beginner

Use a wider grip or move only to the top of the head.

Harder / Advanced

Narrow the grip slightly while keeping ribs down and elbows straight.

Warm-Up Examples

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PVC Pass-Through Movement Prep

pvc pass-through warm-up

2 unhurried rounds

6-8 controlled PVC Pass-Through reps

6 controlled Arm Circles reps

Start the workout feeling prepared, not tired

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PVC Pass-Through Readiness Flow

pre-workout pvc pass-through

Every 90 sec x 4 rounds

30 sec easy cardio

6-8 controlled PVC Pass-Through reps

Use the remaining time to breathe and reset

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should PVC Pass-Through feel?

During PVC Pass-Through, you should feel warmer and move more freely, but not tired. Keep the range controlled and reduce it if you feel pinching or sharp pain.

Plan the Whole Session

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Related Exercises

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