Bent Arm Shoulder Stretch
Description
The bent arm shoulder stretch is a classic overhead tricep stretch where you raise one arm overhead, bend at the elbow, and reach your hand down behind your head. The opposite hand can gently pull the elbow further to deepen the stretch. It targets the triceps, lats, and shoulders.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Bent Arm Shoulder Stretch Instructions
- Stand or sit tall. Reach your right arm straight up overhead.
- Bend your right elbow to drop your right hand down behind your head, between your shoulder blades.
- Reach your left hand up and grasp your right elbow.
- Gently pull your right elbow toward the left, deepening the stretch.
- Feel the stretch through the back of your right upper arm (tricep), right lat, and right shoulder.
- Keep your chest lifted and core braced.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Breathe deeply.
- Switch sides and repeat.
Bent Arm Shoulder Stretch Form & Visual
Bent Arm Shoulder Stretch Benefits
- Deeply stretches the triceps and shoulders
- Opens the lats
- Improves overhead mobility
- Quick and accessible
- No equipment needed
- Excellent post-workout stretch for arm and pressing days
Bent Arm Shoulder Stretch Muscles Worked
- Triceps brachii (especially long head)
- Latissimus dorsi
- Posterior deltoid
- Teres major
Bent Arm Shoulder Stretch Variations & Alternatives
- Behind-Head Chest Stretch
- Reaching-Up Shoulder Stretch
- One-Arm Lat Stretch
- Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
- Tricep Stretch with Side Bend
