Chest Stretches to Do from Anywhere
Table of Contents
What Is a Chest Stretch
A Chest Stretch is a set position that you will put the body in to specifically stretch the muscles of the Chest. Often, people will perform Chest Stretches prior to a workout that targets the chest, or if they are experiencing muscle tightness in the chest. There are many ways to perform a Chest Stretch, which you can read about below.
How To Stretch Your Chest
An above the head Chest Stretch is just one easy way to stretch the muscles of the chest. This Chest stretch can be performed seated or standing. To learn how to perform the above the head Chest Stretch, follow these steps:
Stand or sit upright with your back and neck in a straight line.
Raise both arms and place your palms on the back of the head, you can interlace your fingers if you’d like. Your elbows should be in line with the ears.
Maintain a proud chest as you push the chest forwards and draw your elbows backwards and your shoulder blades together. Hold this position for 30 seconds or more.
You have now learned how to perform a Chest Stretch!
Chest Stretch Form
When performing the Chest Stretch we described above, there some key points to remember that will help you to get the most out of your Stretch. When performing the above the head Chest Stretch, be sure to,
Keep the shoulders down and back.
Maintain a straight spine.
Look straight ahead.
Push the chest forwards as you are holding the stretch.
Chest Stretch Muscles Worked
When performing a Chest Stretch, you will be engaging more than one muscle. In general, chest stretches will engage,
Depending on the Chest Stretch that you choose, you can engage additional secondary muscles!
Chest Stretch Benefits
Chest Stretches have some important benefits for the body. Regularly performing Chest Stretches can help to increase flexibility and mobility in the upper body. As well, Chest Stretches can help to alleviate pain or tightness associated with poor posture. Chest Stretches are also a great way to help the body recover from an injury such as a muscle strain in the chest. Another benefit of performing Chest Stretches is to warm up the muscles of the chest before movement and help the muscles recover after a heavy lifting session.
Why Is the Chest Stretch Useful
Chest Stretches are useful because we use the muscles of the chest for many movements, and it is important to keep these muscles healthy and working at their full capacity. For instance, we use the muscles of the chest to open doors and reach our arms across the body.
Moreover, if you are looking to have a heavy lifting session in the gym that is focused on increasing the strength of the muscles in the chest, you will have a better workout if you perform Chest Stretches first to prepare these muscles for movement!
Chest Stretch Variations
There are a few variations of Chest Stretches that you can try!
Behind the Back Stretch
Door Stretch
Behind the Back Stretch
Standing tall, interlace both hands behind your back with your palms facing towards the body. Raise the arms and push the chest forwards. To increase the intensity of the stretch, raise the arms higher. Hold this position for 30 seconds or longer.
Door Stretch
For this Chest Stretch, you will need a doorway. Stand in the doorway with your left foot in front of the right foot. Place your right forearm on the wall with your elbow at 90-degrees. Lean through the doorway while keeping your arm in place on the wall to initiate the stretch. Continue to lean through the doorway to increase the intensity of the stretch. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch sides.
