Good Upper Body Stretches

A complete list of good upper body stretches to keep you flexible.

Lat Extension Stretch

Primary Muscle Group: Mid Back - Lats

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise: Mid Back - Lats

Preparation: Get into a kneeling in position with your arms extended out in front of you and together at the hands. You should be just slightly bent at the hip joint with back and head straight.

Breathing: Breath normally through the entire stretching movement.

Reverse Forearm Stretch

Good Upper Body Stretches

Primary Muscle Group: Forearm

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise: Forearm and Wrist

Preparation: Stand straight up with back and head straight. Place right hand on the end of your finger tips of left hand on the knuckle area.

Breathing: Breath in and out through the entire stretching movement.

Chest Full Stretch

Good Upper Body Stretches

Primary Muscle Group: Pectoralis Major

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise: Pectoralis Major

Preparation: Stand in an upright position with knees slightly bent, back and head straight up. Place hands behind head and elbows pointed out to the side.

Breathing: Breath throughout the exercise stretch movement

Ball Side Stretch

Good Upper Body Stretches

Primary Muscle Group: Abdominals

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise:

Preparation: Stand with your feet directly underneath your hips. Hold the ball and extend your arms overhead, remembering to relax your shoulders down away from your ears. Inhale and firm your abs and lengthen your spine.

Breathing: Inhale as you firm your abs and exhale as you bend.

Forearm Stretch

Good Upper Body Stretches

Stretching the forearm can be done at any time, and can help release tension at the desk. This simple stretch can be done either sitting or standing, and will also work on your biceps. With your back straight, extend one arm in front of you and slowly bend your wrist back. Hold this for about 10 seconds then release and switch sides.