Upward Stretch

Also called overhead reach, upward reach stretch and standing overhead stretch.

Works

Shoulders, plus chest and lats

Equipment

Bodyweight

Level

Beginner

Type

Isolation

How to do it

Setup. Extend both hands straight above your head, palms touching.

1. Slowly push your hands up and back, keeping your back straight.

Cues

• Arms straight up, palms together.
• Reach tall and slightly back.
• Ribs down, back straight.
• Hold 20 seconds, breathe.

Common mistakes

• Arching the low back.
• Shrugging the shoulders.

Where to start

A starting point, not a law. Pick a weight you could lift two or three more times than the top of the range. When every set hits the top of the range, add a little weight.

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