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If you’ve been using dumbbells or doing bodyweight exercises to work your upper body, you may notice soreness or fatigue the day or two after, and that is normal! Stretching can help relieve tension, reduce soreness and restore your range of motion.
If you aren’t currently committed to a fitness routine, stretching the upper body is still important.
A sedentary lifestyle or spending long hours sitting at a desk can lead to rounded shoulders and neck problems. Regular upper-body stretches can help alleviate this muscle soreness and stiffness, while maintaining flexibility, preventing muscle imbalances and improving overall posture. Plus, it can improve blood circulation to these areas, which can boost energy levels and reduce muscle fatigue.
Upper-body stretches
The upper body refers to anything above the waist, including the shoulders, hands, arms, chest and back. And this region of the body is often overlooked when it comes to stretching.
These upper-body stretches don’t require any equipment and can be done anytime throughout the day to help loosen up your arms, shoulders, neck and back.
Chest stretch
Stand tall straight with your feet hips-width apart and place your hands behind your back, interlocking your fingers. Straighten your arms down toward the ground and try to bring the palms together, bringing your shoulder blades toward each other until you feel a pull in your chest. Hold for a few breaths and then release.
Wrist extensions
While standing or sitting, fully extend one arm straight out in front of you. Bend at the wrist, pointing your fingers to the sky so that your palm is facing out. With the opposite hand, gently pull your fingers back toward you. Hold for a few breaths. Then, rotate your arm so that your fingers are pointing down toward the ground. Again, pull your fingers back toward you. Hold for a few…
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