Thread the Needle
A shoulder and upper back stretch performed in quadruped position that improves shoulder mobility and reduces upper back tension.
Instructions
- Begin in a quadruped position (hands and knees on the ground).
- Keep your hips stacked over your knees.
- Thread your right arm under your body and across to the left side.
- Your right shoulder and cheek should rest on the ground or mat.
- Keep your hips level and avoid rotating excessively.
- Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
- Return to quadruped position and repeat on the opposite side.
Tips
- Move slowly into the stretch and avoid forcing the position.
- Focus on relaxing your shoulders and breathing deeply.
- You can adjust the intensity by changing hip position or arm placement.
- Perform on both sides to develop balanced shoulder mobility.
- This stretch is excellent for improving shoulder flexibility and reducing tension.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 25 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 40 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 1 min |