Exercise guide · Beginner · Stretch

Chest and Front of Shoulder Stretch: How to Do It & Muscles Worked

A stretch targeting the chest and front of the shoulders, performed by crossing the arms in front of the body and pressing the palms together to open up the pectorals and deltoids.

Primary muscles
Chest
Secondary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Body Weight
Level · type
Beginner · Stretch
Demonstration of the chest and front of shoulder stretch
Front view: muscles worked by the chest and front of shoulder stretch. Primary: chest. Secondary: shoulders.
Back view: muscles worked by the chest and front of shoulder stretch. Primary: chest. Secondary: shoulders.
Primary Secondary

How to do the chest and front of shoulder stretch

  1. Step 1: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Step 2: Extend your arms straight out in front of you at shoulder height.
  3. Step 3: Cross your arms in front of your body, with your right arm on top of your left arm.
  4. Step 4: Interlace your fingers and press your palms together.
  5. Step 5: Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together and push your hands forward, feeling a stretch in your chest and front of your shoulders.
  6. Step 6: Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then release.
  7. Step 7: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Chest and Front of Shoulder Stretch alternatives

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Step-by-step instructions and demonstration media are from the ExerciseDB exercise dataset.

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist about injuries or health conditions before starting a new programme.