Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch

A static stretch held after your workout, pulling one arm across the front of your chest to lengthen the back of the shoulder.

Stretching · Recommended Sets: Hold 30 seconds x 2 reps each side · Rear Delts, Side Delts

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch — Points to Check Today

  • Don't press directly on the elbow joint — Grabbing and cranking the elbow strains the joint, so cradle the upper arm to pull. (Grabbing the elbow tip and pressing as if to crank it)
  • Don't shrug the pulled shoulder — If the shoulder rides up, the neck tenses instead of the back of the shoulder. (Pulling the arm with the shoulder hiked up toward the ear)
  • Keep the torso facing forward; don't twist — If the torso rotates, the stimulus drops off the shoulder. (Twisting the torso along to pull the arm further)

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch — How to Do It / If You're New

  1. Stand tall and extend one arm across the front of your chest toward the opposite side.
  2. With your other arm, cradle the upper arm and gently pull it toward your body.
  3. Stop where you feel the back of the shoulder lengthen and hold for 30 seconds. Keep the shoulder of the pulled arm down.
  4. Slowly release the arm and repeat the same way on the other side.