Upward Stretch

How to do the Upward Stretch

1. Extend both hands straight above your head, palms touching.
2. Slowly push your hands up and back, keeping your back straight.

Muscles worked

Role	Muscles
Primary	shoulders
Secondary	chest, lats
Equipment	no equipment
Difficulty	beginner

Train the same muscles a different way

6 alternatives for the same shoulders, with and without kit.

Iron Cross Dumbbell Back Flyes - With Bands Resistance Bands Band Pull Apart Resistance Bands External Rotation with Band Resistance Bands Internal Rotation with Band Resistance Bands Lateral Raise - With Bands Resistance Bands

Harder than the Upward Stretch

Seated Front Deltoid expert · Bodyweight

Common questions

What muscles does the Upward Stretch work?

The Upward Stretch primarily works the shoulders, with the chest and lats as secondary movers. Chair Upper Body Stretch, Round The World Shoulder Stretch, and Seated Front Deltoid train the same muscle, across 9 equipment types.

What equipment do you need for the Upward Stretch?

None — the Upward Stretch is bodyweight, so it works at home, in a hotel room or outdoors. Chair Upper Body Stretch and Round The World Shoulder Stretch also need nothing.

Is the Upward Stretch suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Upward Stretch is rated beginner. Seated Front Deltoid are the progressions from here.

Similar exercises

Chair Upper Body Stretch Other Equipment Round The World Shoulder Stretch Other Equipment Seated Front Deltoid Bodyweight Side Wrist Pull Bodyweight Crucifix Other Equipment Shoulder Raise Bodyweight