Overhead Stretch

A full-body standing stretch that targets the anterior and posterior kinetic chain by extending the arms overhead.

Instructions

1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and shoulders relaxed.
2. Lace your fingers together and open your palms to face the ceiling.
3. Press through your feet and extend your arms overhead, keeping your shoulders down and away from your ears.
4. Engage your core and gently pull your tailbone down and under to create a posterior pelvic tilt.
5. Maintain a neutral head position with your gaze forward.
6. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
7. Feel the stretch along the front and back of your torso, through your sides, and along your arms.
8. Release and repeat for 2-3 rounds.

Tips

• Keep your shoulders packed and down to isolate the abdominal and lat stretch.
• Avoid leaning to one side; maintain an even stretch through the entire midline.
• Breathe deeply and slowly to enhance the stretch and relax the muscles.
• Perform this stretch after workouts when muscles are warm and pliable.
• This is an excellent warm-up stretch to prepare for upper body work.