Overhead Band Stretch

Lats, Triceps, ShouldersResistance Band

A gentle upper-body stretch using a resistance band to relieve shoulder stiffness and open up the thoracic spine and lats.

How to do it

1Stand upright, holding a resistance band with a grip wider than shoulder-width.

2Raise your arms overhead, keeping light tension on the band.

3Smoothly guide your arms back behind your head as far as comfortable.

4Reach up and slightly to the side to feel a gentle stretch through your lats and shoulders.

5Slowly bring your arms back overhead and repeat.

Common mistakes

Arching your lower back excessively as your arms go back, stressing your lower spine.

Using quick, jerky pulls on the band, increasing the risk of shoulder strain.

Bending your elbows too much, which takes the stretch off the target muscles.

Breathing

Inhale as you raise your arms and exhale deeply as you pull the band behind your head into the stretch.

Make it harder or easier

To make it easier, widen your grip on the band or use a lighter resistance. To make it harder, narrow your grip or pause at peak tension.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.