The reaching-up shoulder stretch is a simple standing stretch where you extend one or both arms overhead and reach as high as possible, optionally adding a slight side lean to stretch the lats and obliques. It opens the shoulders, lengthens the lats, and counteracts the effects of hunched posture.
Muscle Group
Back, Latissimus Dorsi, Shoulders
Equipment Required
Bodyweight
Type
Flexibility
Equipment
Band
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Benefits
- Opens the shoulders and stretches the lats
- Counteracts hunched posture from sitting
- Stretches the intercostals and obliques with a side lean
- Quick and accessible — works anywhere
- Excellent between-sets stretch
- No equipment needed
How to perform
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
- Reach your right arm straight up overhead. Extend as high as you can.
- Feel the stretch through your right shoulder, lat, and side body.
- For a deeper stretch, grab your right wrist with your left hand and gently pull to the left, adding a side lean.
- Hold for 15 to 20 seconds. Breathe deeply.
- Switch sides and repeat.
- Can also be done with both arms reaching overhead simultaneously.
- Keep your ribs down — do not flare them or arch your back excessively.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
Back
Primary
Shoulder
Primary