Stretch Chest

The importance of stretching exercises is often overlooked when we begin exercise routines. Whether we intend to stretch all the muscle groups in the body or just the ones you use in your workout, you must know the proper exercises to prepare the muscles to warm up. What follows are a series of stretching exercises that you can use to keep the muscles in the chest and upper body in good shape.

The first muscle group in this series of chest stretches is the neck; this group is by far the easiest to work. All you have to do is tilt the head sideways so that the muscles stretch and rotate the head completely around the shoulder sockets. Keeps the face facing forward; otherwise people might think that you are trying to reenact scenes from The Exorcist.

The next group of muscles to work after the neck is the anterior muscles in the shoulder. This stretch may look a little weird at first, but stretching the muscles in the chest and upper body requires this muscle group to be worked also. Fully extend one arm and throw it over to the opposite side of the body. Use the other hand to pull the arm even closer to the body until you feel a slight discomfort. Repeat this exercise for the other arm then move onto the next chest and shoulder stretch.

Now that we have have done a stretch for the muscles at the front of the shoulder group, it is time to perform the same exercise for the shoulders at the back of the group. This is one of the few stretching exercise that requires the use of an outside prop. Grab a rope, towel or blanket and use one hand to throw it over the shoulder. Use the free hand to grab the other end and slowly try to bring the rope, blanket, or suitable prop upwards as if you were trying to touch your neck with the hand that is lower on the prop. Reverse sides and repeat the process to stretch both sets of the posterior shoulder muscles.

Once the posterior muscles of the chest and shoulder group are stretched properly, it is time to move on the triceps. If you thought the one above was easy to perform, you will be pleased to know that this one is not too much different. Don't throw away the towel, rope, shirt or whatever you used for the above away yet, it is needed as instead of pulling up this time you pull down. Rather than trying to reach a certain point in this chest and shoulder group stretch, try to keep the arms perpendicular to the towel. Try not to bend the arms into a more comfortable position when trying to do the stretch.

Now that the shoulder muscles have been stretched, it times to do the exercises that work the actual muscles in the chest. The first chest stretch should be done simply. Bend your elbow as if you were raising your arm and place it against the wall. Facing the wall, try to turn yourself around while keeping the hand in the bent elbow position until you can feel the muscles in the chest stretch. Repeat this for the other side.

That covers most of the muscles in the chest and upper body group, just be sure to do them before and after your workout for full effect.

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