Seated triceps stretch with side reach

You feel this stretch in the back of your upper arms and mid-back too. To do this stretch, follow these steps:

1. Sit up very tall with your right arm overhead and elbow bent behind you so the tips of your fingers are touching the back of your shoulder.
2. Place your left hand on your raised elbow (see Figure a).
3. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale begin to gently pull your right elbow behind your head, reaching your right fingers down your back toward your spine (see Figure b).
4. Take another deep breath in and as you exhale, lean to the left as far as feels comfortable, being careful not to twist.
5. Hold this stretch for about 30 seconds and then come back to center and gently release your arm.
6. Give your arms a little shake and repeat the stretch with the left arm.

A few do’s and don’t for this stretch:

• Do sit up tall with good posture.
• Do keep your shoulders facing the front.
• Don’t tense or lift your shoulders.
• Don’t hold your breath.
• Don’t arch your back or open your rib cage.
• Don’t jam or force your elbow back.