Overhead Reach

lats, delts, serratusBodyweight

A gentle standing stretch that opens the chest and lengthens the lats and shoulders while reinforcing good posture.

How to do it

1Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, shoulders dropped and relaxed.

2Inhale deeply and sweep both arms up overhead.

3Reach actively through your fingertips, feeling the length along your sides and shoulders.

4Hold the stretch for a few seconds without shrugging your shoulders into your neck.

5Lower your arms smoothly back down to the start.

Common mistakes

Arching your lower back to reach higher instead of moving through the shoulders.

Shrugging your shoulders to your ears, straining your traps and neck.

Craning your head back and losing a neutral neck position.

Breathing

Inhale deeply as you reach overhead, exhale smoothly as you lower your arms.

Make it harder or easier

To regress: Perform this against a wall to keep your posture honest.

To progress: Add a gentle side bend at the top.

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.