Why we need to stretch continued…
By Jason Tiatia | March 1, 2009 | Filed Under Exercise Tips Leave a Comment
Last month we talked about the importance and benefits of stretching our bodies. I gave you some stretches to try out on your lower body, here are a few more for the upper body.
Use these exercises to lengthen the muscle and tendons, reduce tension and increase relaxation. Remember to stretch before exercise and after exercise. Stretch gently and slowly.
Neck and shoulder:
This stretch can be done standing or sitting on a chair. While standing tilt your head sideways towards the left shoulder as your left hand pulls your right arm down and across, behind your back. While sitting, with your right hand on side of chair to fixate your arm, tilt your head towards your left shoulder, use your left arm to assist or to add pressure. Feel the stretch through your neck.
Stand in a doorway; reach back with one or both arms, fixating your hands below shoulder level. Feel the stretch through your shoulders and chest.
Shoulder and upper back:
Interlock your fingers above your head with your palms facing upward, push your arms slightly back and up. Feel the stretch in your arms, shoulders and upper back.
Kneel back on your heels, keeping your bottom fixed down, stretch both arms out in front along the floor pressing your palms down into the floor.
Back:
Lie flat on your back, stretch your arms above past your head and straighten down your legs, pointing your toes – make sure your back is flat on the floor and not arched. Stretch in both directions. This exercise if great for stretching out the spine.
Triceps:
Lift your arm above your head and hold your elbow of that arm with your other arm, gently pull the elbow behind your head. Feel this stretch in the back of the arms and shoulder joint.
Remember to hold stretches up to 2 minutes if possible, or as comfortably possible.
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