Overhead Straight-Arm Stretch
Sitting back on the heels, one straight arm sweeps out and up to a high diagonal overhead; with the arm this high the stretch runs along the lower chest.
How to do it
Setup
Kneeling, sitting back on the heels, torso tall, hands resting on the thighs.
Steps
- Raise one straight arm out to the side to shoulder height.
- Sweep it on up to a high diagonal, palm forward, chest open.
- Ease the arm back down to shoulder height and raise it again; then switch arms.
Common mistakes
Bending the elbow: the arm stays long to the fingertips. Leaning the trunk away from the arm: sit tall on the heels, shoulders level. Shrugging the shoulder up to the ear: keep it down while the arm rises.
Breathing
Steady throughout; never held.
