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Stretching

Shoulder Stretch

Beginner

A cross-body stretch that eases tension in the shoulders and upper back.

Target muscles

Shoulders

Calories burned

~2 kcal / set

Secondary muscles

Upper Back

Equipment

No Equipment

Goal

General Fitness

Sets / Reps

2 × 1 per side

Benefits

  • • Eases shoulder and upper-back tension
  • • Great post-workout or desk-break stretch

Step by step

  1. 1Bring one arm straight across your chest.
  2. 2Use your other arm to gently pull it closer to your body.
  3. 3Hold the stretch, feeling it across the back of your shoulder.
  4. 4Switch arms and repeat.

Breathing guide

Breathe steadily throughout the hold.

Common mistakes

  • • Pulling too hard and causing joint strain
  • • Shrugging the shoulder up during the stretch

Safety tips

  • • Keep the pulling arm's elbow slightly bent.
  • • Relax your shoulder down away from your ear.

Variations

  • • Overhead tricep and shoulder stretch

Related exercises

Hamstring Stretch

2 × 1 per side

Quadriceps Stretch

2 × 1 per side

Hip Flexor Stretch

2 × 1 per side

Chest Stretch

2 × 1 per side