Stretch - Upward

Recommendations: 1-3 Sets, 5-10 Reps, 5-15 Dur

Beginner Shoulders Lats Stretching Body Only Gym Home

Purpose: This exercise focuses on working the entire shoulder joint and makes an excellent warm-up before any resistance or weight training involving the shoulders.

Benefits: This exercise tones and increases the flexibility of your shoulders.

Stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your feet flat on the floor. Let your shoulders relax and your arms hang loosely at your sides. This is the starting position. Extend both hands straight above your head, palms touching and facing the ceiling. Slowly push your hands up and slightly back. Keep your back straight. Pause briefly. Breathe normally. Return your arms to the starting position. Breathe normally. Repeat this movement for the required number of repetitions.


Shoulder raises require little time, yet can give good benefits when done regularly. They can be done almost anywhere, without special equipment. The three heads of the deltoid muscles require regular movement to ensure their flexibility and mobility.

Step 1

Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed and arms hanging loosely at your sides.

stretch-upward-step-0

Stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your feet flat on the floor. Let your shoulders relax and your arms hang loosely at your sides. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Extend your arms above your shoulders, palms touching and facing the ceiling. Push your hands up and back. Pause briefly.

stretch-upward-step-1

Extend both hands straight above your head, palms touching and facing the ceiling. Slowly push your hands up and slightly back. Keep your back straight. Pause briefly. Breathe normally.

Step 3

Return your arms to the starting position.

stretch-upward-step-2

Return your arms to the starting position. Breathe normally. Stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your feet flat on the floor. Let your shoulders relax and your arms hang loosely at your sides.