Try This Quick Stretch for Tight Shoulders and Upper Body
Stretching feels so good doesn’t it? But I don’t know many people that stretch enough. Why is something that feels so good so hard to make yourself do? Even I struggle with stretching enough. One of the reasons I love Pilates is because stretching is built into the workout. Some of the exercises are dynamic stretches, which is a fancy word for a moving stretch. I also like to include static stretches within my group classes and private sessions if students need them.
If you’ve been spending more time at your computer lately, you are not alone! All the extra stuff, sitting at a desk or a dining room table you don’t normally use all day can cause tightness in your upper body and hips. I’m sharing one of my favorite stretches to help you find some quick relief. Pilates helps you find the spots in your body that need a little extra attention. Many times you don’t realize how tight you are until you start moving.
When you do Pilates you become more aware of what is happening in your body. When you discover which part of your body is tight or in pain you can do something to make it feel better. I help my clients find the spots that need some extra help and give them just the right exercises or stretches to help them feel better.
Watch this video for one of my favorite stretches, especially for surgeons. But it also works well for people that spend a lot of time on the computer. When doing this stretch you might find your hands and fingers are tight. Or maybe your forearms and shoulders. Be careful when you try this stretch and don’t push it too far. I would start with a little less rotation in your arm and your body than you think you need and increase the stretch as needed.
Did you know that when your upper body is tight, that can also cause your hips to be tight? Stretching the upper body can also help to release the hips. But the hips need some love too. Everything is connected! Be on the lookout for my favorite hip stretch coming soon. Pilates might look easy but it is a full body workout that helps to increase the connection in your body while creating strength and flexibility. Try this stretch and let me know how it works for you!
