What are the best stretches (1-3) for loosening up your chest? How do you do them?
I recommend the following yoga poses;
Camel pose
- Get on your knees with legs hip-width apart.
- With toes against the floor, place your palms on the waist.
- Start lowering your head and curving your back backwards as you reach the right hand on the right toe, then the other.
- Push the shoulders away from your ears.
- Push the hips forward as you engage your core.
- Stay here for 10-15 counts of 3 sets.
Pec release
- Get a tennis ball on the wall and lean against it with your pecs- chest part called pectoralis.
- Hold the position for 20-30 counts before releasing.
- Do the same thing to different chest parts.
Floor angels
- Lie on your back with knees bent and legs hip-width apart.
- Put your arms to the sides with elbows at 90 degrees.
- Slowly extend your arms over the head, keeping your body in contact with the surface.
- Return the arms to starting position.
- Do this 10-15 times of 3 sets.
Why is it important to stretch this area of your body?
Stretching the pectoralis muscles, and generally the chest helps increase flexibility in this area, giving a bigger range of motion for performing other activities with ease. It also helps relieve pain and tension.
Why does it tend to get so tight?
It could come from muscle strain, especially the intercostal- connect the ribs, and pectoralis muscles. They may strain following activities like exercise, twisting, or reaching.
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