Stretch of the Week: Assisted Upper Front Body Stretch
Leave a CommentHappy Valentine’s Day! For the second week of our partner stretches we will be performing an Assisted Upper Front Body Stretch. You and your partner will feel this stretch in the chest, underarm area and triceps.
Please skip this week’s stretch if you have any upper back or shoulder injuries.
How to perform:
- Stand roughly four feet away from your partner, facing each other. Extend your arms over your head. Lean forward and press your palms into your partner’s palms as shown in Photo 1.
- If both partners feel a stretch then they should stay in this position. To deepen the stretch through the underarms and front of the torso, both partners should take a step back. Communicate with each other until you reach a desired distance that feels comfortable for both of you. Both partners should have their ankles, knees and hips stacked, as shown in Photo 2.
Tips: squeeze your underarms as though you are trying to squeeze an apple under them. This will engage the muscles and stabilize the shoulder joints as you press into your partner’s hands. Additionally, draw your belly button to your spine to stabilize the low back. The back bend should be happening in the upper back, while the low back remains in the neutral position. Gaze is right at your partner’s face.
- Stay in the position that works best for both partners for one minute. Then walk toward your partner to stand upright, coming out of the stretch safely.
Interested in learning more? Email me at rachel.lackowski@athletico.com
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