Appears in642 Workouts*

Kneeling Reach & Thread

Improve shoulder mobility & flexibility with the Kneeling Reach & Thread. A gentle stretch for your upper back & shoulders.

The Kneeling Reach & Thread mainly works the back and traps, with help from the core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mr. Grey
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Kneeling Reach & Thread Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)

Secondary

Obliques; Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)

How to do the Kneeling Reach & Thread

Kneeling Reach and Thread Stretch

Positioning:

  1. Start in a kneeling position on a soft surface, such as an exercise mat, to protect your knees.

  2. Place your hands on the ground, shoulder-width apart, with your wrists aligned under your shoulders.

  3. Your knees should be positioned under your hips. Engage your core to stabilize your spine.

Movement:

  1. With your left hand, reach forward as far as you can, extending your arm straight out in front of you. Keep your hips stable and avoid rotating your torso.

  2. While reaching forward with your left arm, simultaneously slide your right arm underneath your left arm, threading it through.

  3. Allow your right shoulder and cheek to gently rest on the ground, keeping your left arm extended in front for balance.

  4. Hold this position for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your shoulder and upper back.

  5. To return, push through your left hand and lift your right shoulder back up, coming back to the starting kneeling position.

  6. Repeat the movement on the opposite side, reaching forward with your right arm and threading your left arm underneath.

  7. Perform 5-10 repetitions on each side, holding the stretch for a few seconds each time.

Tips:

  • Keep your movements slow and controlled to avoid strain.

  • Focus on your breathing; inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth while stretching.

  • If needed, adjust the reach to a comfortable level to ensure a gentle stretch.

Kneeling Reach & Thread FAQs

What muscles does the Kneeling Reach & Thread work?

The Kneeling Reach & Thread mainly works the back and traps, with help from the core. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and trapezius.

What equipment do you need for the Kneeling Reach & Thread?

None. The Kneeling Reach & Thread is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Kneeling Reach & Thread variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Overhead 90-To-90 Reach, Arm Child Pose Rotation, Exercise Ball Lat Stretch and Kneeling Backward Reach.

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