How to Stretch Your Chest

This chest expansion stretch targets your shoulders, chest, and arms and helps promote good posture. This procedure demonstrates the classic stretch that most fitness experts recommend.

Don’t stretch your muscles until you’ve at least warmed up thoroughly. Stretching at the end of your workout is even better. A post-workout stretch is a great way to relax and ease back into the rest of your day and has been shown to reduce injuries.

Follow these steps to perform the chest expansion:

1. Sit or stand up tall and bring your arms behind you, clasping one hand inside the other.

2. Lift your chest and raise your arms slightly.

   You should feel a mild stretch spread across your chest.

   

   Credit: Photograph by Sunstreak Productions, Inc.

   The chest expansion promotes good posture.

Keep in mind the following tips as you perform the chest expansion:

• Resist arching your lower back as you pull your arms upward.

• Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and down.

• Don’t force your arms up higher than is comfortable.