How to Do Chest Stretches

Stretches are great for keeping tension away from muscles. Stretch in the morning and during regular exercise for maximum benefits. Chest stretches are also great to do before, during or after working at a computer or after completing any repetitive task. Here's how to do chest stretches.

Things You'll Need

• Exercise ball

Instructions

1. 

   With your arms straight and down at your sides, move your arms back. Clasp your hands together behind your back until both your arms are straight. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat if desired.

2. 

   Stand in a doorway. Hold your right arm out to your side with your arm in an L shape (your forearm will be about perpendicular to the upper arm, and your arm will be almost in a "waving hello" position. Press the front part of the shoulder and forearm of the right arm into the door frame and hold 10 seconds. Repeat on the left side. Or, use both arms at the same time and push your hands and forearms into the door frame for a count of 10 seconds or so.

3. 

   If you have an exercise ball, you can do this stretch. Lie back on an exercise ball, so the ball covers your entire back (or most of it). Spread your arms out. Stay in that position for 10 to 30 seconds to stretch the chest muscles.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an injury or severe pain, contact your doctor or another health care professional before you begin these or any stretches or exercises.