Stretch It: Cross Shoulder Stretch

Upper Body: Cross Shoulder Stretch

Muscles Used: Deltoid (Shoulder), Triceps (Mid Posterior Arm)

Equipment Needed: None

Instructions:

Stand up straight, with knees slightly bent.
Place feet hip distance apart.
Make sure toes are pointing forward.
Keep shoulders even as you complete this stretch.
Bend right arm at elbow joint, extend arm across chest.
Place left hand on the right elbow to gently support the arm during this stretch (see photo A).
Feel the stretch in your right arm and shoulder.
Inhale (breathe in) through your nose, and exhale (breathe out) through your mouth, as you complete this stretch.
Hold stretch for a count of 8.
Repeat steps 5-9 on opposite side, using right hand to stretch left arm and shoulder.
ALTERNATE SITTING VERSION: Complete entire sequence, steps 4-10, from a sitting position. Make sure back is straight and feet are firmly placed on the ground (see photo B).