Good Upper Body Stretches

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

Ball Chest Stretch

Primary Muscle Group: Chest

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise:

Preparation: Sit on the ball with your feet on the floor. Clasp your hands behind your back.

Breathing: Inhale as you roll your shoulders; exhale as you bend forward.

While standing or sitting, hold your head to one side. Slowly, bending only your neck, and facing forward, try to touch your ear to your shoulder. At the same time, reach down with your opposite hand toward the floor. Release and switch sides, then repeat.

Front Neck Stretch

Good Upper Body Stretches

While standing or sitting, hold your head straight up. With your shoulders in a neutral, relaxed position, bend at your neck, trying to touch your chest with your chin. Hold for six seconds, then release. Note that reverse neck stretches can be stressful on your vertebrae, and should not be part of your daily stretching.