The overhead triceps stretch is a classic upper-body stretch where you raise one arm overhead, bend at the elbow, and reach your hand down behind your head. The opposite hand can gently pull the elbow toward midline to deepen the stretch. It targets the triceps, lats, and shoulders.
Muscle Group
Shoulders, Triceps
Equipment Required
Bodyweight
Type
Flexibility
Equipment
Band
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Benefits
- Stretches the triceps and lats
- Improves overhead mobility
- Quick and accessible
- No equipment needed
- Excellent post-workout stretch for arm and pressing days
- Counteracts forward shoulder posture
How to perform
- Stand or sit tall. Reach your right arm straight up overhead.
- Bend your right elbow to drop your right hand down behind your head, between your shoulder blades.
- Reach your left hand up and grasp your right elbow.
- Gently pull your right elbow toward the left and slightly down, deepening the stretch.
- Feel the stretch through the back of your right upper arm (tricep) and the right side of your back (lat).
- Keep your chest lifted. Avoid arching your lower back.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Breathe deeply.
- Switch sides and repeat.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
Back
Primary
Posterior Deltoid
Primary