For everyone that slumps their posture, rounds their shoulders or can’t move their upper body as much as they’d like to, this is the stretch for you!
This is a great stretch for opening up the chest area, in particular your pectoral muscles, to help take the pressure off the shoulders, back and neck. It can help undo your poor posture, undo some of that computer work or free up the upper body a bit more.
FIRST STEP:
Place your palm against a wall or in a doorway at approximately shoulder height. Now turn your body slightly away from your hand until you feel a gentle stretch in the front of your shoulder and chest area. Hold for 30 seconds.
SECOND STEP:
Now move your hand up the wall so it’s above shoulder height and repeat the stretch (as in the second photo)
THIRD STEP:
Now move your hand down the wall so it’s below shoulder height and repeat the stretch again (as in the third photo)
Repeat on the other side!
This should feel like a nice stretch in the chest and front of your shoulders, and even into your arms if you’re quite tight.
It shouldn’t feel like increased pressure on your shoulder joint or neck – if it does, stop that stretch and seek the advice of myself or another health professional.
Some tips:
Don’t “bounce” these stretches, take them nice and slow. If you want to make the stretch stronger, just turn your head away from your body (as in the fourth photo). And remember to breathe deeply.
As always, check with me or a suitable health professional for advice if you’re not sure about which stretches are best for you personally.