Behind Head Chest Stretch
The hands-behind-the-head chest stretch with a partner, who stands behind the seated body and draws both elbows back.
How to do it
Setup
Seated tall on the floor, legs long, fingers laced behind the head, a partner standing behind holding both elbows.
Steps
- Sit tall with the elbows wide and the shoulders down.
- Let the partner draw the elbows back slowly until the chest stretches.
- Hold and breathe, then let the partner ease the elbows forward.
Common mistakes
Hands pulling the head forward: they only rest behind it; the neck stays long. Partner yanking the elbows: ask for a slow, steady draw and say stop at a firm stretch. Arching the lower back as the elbows go back: sit tall and keep the ribs down.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
