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(I guess that’s my “concentrating” pose?)
Katie Thompson
Turns out, I’m definitely not alone.
It’s not just poor posture, though, that can make your upper body feel super tense.
But if shoulder tension and tightness are what plague you, doing some shoulder stretches can provide short-term relief.
Also, it’s important to pay close attention to what you’re feeling.
Tightness isn’t so much to be worried about, and stretching is a good way to improve that.
Pain is another story.
(exercise physiology content manager at American Council on Exercise).
Modeling the moves isCaitlyn Seitz, a New York-based group fitness instructor and singer/songwriter.
Upper Trapezius Stretch
Stretches the upper trapezius (neck).
Handcuff Drill
Stretches the muscles of the scapula, including rhomboids, serratus anterior, and trapezius.
Elbow-Out Rotator Stretch
Stretches the shoulder muscles, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor.
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
Stretches the shoulder muscles, including the deltoid, teres minor, and supraspinatus.
Overhead Triceps and Shoulder Stretch
Stretches the deltoid and triceps.
Reverse Shoulder Stretch
Stretches the deltoids and the pectoral muscles.
Downward Facing Dog
Stretches shoulder muscles, including the deltoids, supraspinatus, trapezius, and rhomboids.
Gifs and images: Photographer: Katie Thompson.
Hair grooming: Yukiko Tajima.
Makeup: Risako Matsushita.
Stylists: Rika Watanabe, Tiffany Dodson.
