15 Best Upper-Body Stretches For Sweet Release

SUMAN MAHAPATRA

SEP 3, 2024

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Not only does this stretch warm up the shoulders, but it increases shoulder mobility by working the deltoids and rotator cuff muscles, says Dinkins 

Why to do:

1. Arm Circle

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This stretch improves flexibility and mobility in the spine which helps release and relieve back tension, says Dinkins. 

Why to do:

2. Cat Camel

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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Child’s pose is a classic for a reason: It relaxes the back muscles and gently stretches the shoulders and spine, per Dinkins 

Why to do:

3. Child’s Pose

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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Shoulder rolls are like a two-for-one: They release tension in the shoulders and improve mobility. 

Why to do:

4. Shoulder Roll

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This full-body stretch targets the shoulders, hamstrings, and calves to improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension, says Dinkins. 

Why to do:

5. Downward Dog

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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It looks simple, but Dinkins says this exercise strengthens the muscles between the shoulder blades and improves posture. 

Why to do:

6. Scapular Retraction

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This stretch targets the upper back and shoulders to improve flexibility and relieve tension, says Dinkins. 

Why to do:

7. Thread The Needle

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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As the name suggests, this move is known to loosens the triceps, but Dinkins says it also increases shoulder flexibility. 

Why to do:

8. Overhead Triceps Stretch

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This stretch targets the deltoids and helps reduce shoulder stiffness, says Dinkins. 

Why to do:

9. Cross Body Stretch

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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Inchworms help build strength in your shoulders and core, while also improving overhead stability and shoulder mobility, says Fata-Chan. 

Why to do:

10. Inchworm

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This is a great move for loosening the chest muscles, minimizing neck and back pain, and opening the shoulder blades, says Fata-Chan. 

Why to do:

11. ‘W’ Open-And-Close

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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Aside from strengthening your shoulders, Fata-Chan says band pull-aparts are great for loosening the upper-back. 

Why to do:

12. Band Pull-Apart

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This is a great functional movement for stretching the front of your shoulders and strengthening the upper back, mid back, and triceps, says Fata-Chan. 

Why to do:

13. Sphinx Pushup

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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This is a great stretch for opening the chest and shoulders to help counteract poor posture, says Dinkins. It also loosens the pectorals and anterior deltoids. 

Why to do:

14. Behind-The-Back Stretch

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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Chair dips are a great way to stretch your pecs while simultaneously strengthening your triceps, says Fata-Chan. 

Why to do:

15. Chair Dip

Source: www.womenshealthmag.com

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