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-Through is best used when the workout goal matches its main demand: warm-up & mobility capacity, clean mechanics, and scalable intensity.

Muscles Worked

ShouldersChestUpper back

Equipment

PVC pipe or light dowel

Best For, Avoid If, and Scaling

Best forWarm-Up & Mobility WODs, skill practice, and athletes who can keep pvc pass-through mechanics consistent under fatigue.
Avoid ifPain changes your movement pattern, fatigue makes reps sloppy, or the workout asks for a standard you cannot repeat safely.
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.

Related WODs

Use PVC Pass-Through in a Real Workout

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Movement Practice WOD

exercise wod

AMRAP 12

8 controlled reps

10 bodyweight reps

200m easy run or 60 sec cardio

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Technique + Conditioning

scaled workout

4 rounds for quality

10 technique reps

30 sec core hold

12 low-skill conditioning reps

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should PVC Pass-Through feel?

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.

Build It Into a Workout

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