The above-head chest stretch is a standing stretch where you clasp your hands behind your back or overhead and pull back to open the chest and front shoulders. It counteracts forward-hunched posture from sitting and screen time.
Muscle Group
Chest, Shoulders
Equipment Required
Bodyweight
Type
Flexibility
Equipment
Band
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Benefits
- Opens the chest and front shoulders
- Counteracts forward-hunched posture
- Stretches the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid
- Improves shoulder flexibility
- No equipment needed — works anywhere
- Takes less than one minute
How to perform
- Stand tall. Reach both arms overhead and clasp your hands together with palms facing the ceiling.
- Pull your shoulders back and down. Lift your chest.
- Gently reach your hands up and slightly behind your head. Feel the stretch across your chest and front shoulders.
- Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Breathe deeply into the stretch.
- For a deeper stretch, lean slightly backward while keeping your core braced.
- Release and shake out your arms. Repeat two to three times.
- This can also be done with hands clasped behind the back, pulling down and back.
- Avoid forcing the stretch — go only as far as your flexibility allows.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
Chest
Primary