Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch
Improve posture & flexibility! Gently stretch your back, shoulders, and sides with this simple seated exercise. Perfect for quick breaks.
The Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch mainly works the shoulders and core. You'll need: chair.
Required Equipment
Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch Muscles Worked
Primary
Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid); Obliques
Secondary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)
Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch
Sitting Overhead Stretch on a Chair
Positioning
Sit on the Chair: Start by sitting comfortably on the chair with your feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Your back should be straight, and you should be sitting all the way back in the chair.
Hand Placement: Rest your hands on your thighs, palms facing down.
Movement
Inhale and Raise One Arm: Take a deep breath in. As you inhale, lift your right arm straight up towards the ceiling, reaching as high as possible.
Lean to the Side: While keeping your arm extended, lean your upper body to the left side. You should feel a stretch along your right side.
Hold the Stretch: Maintain this position for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply. Focus on relaxing into the stretch.
Return to Center: Slowly bring your right arm down and return to the starting seated position.
Repeat on the Other Side: Now, repeat the same steps with your left arm, raising it up and leaning your upper body to the right side. Hold again for 15-30 seconds.
Finish: Return to the center and take a moment to breathe deeply, relaxing your shoulders.
Tips
Avoid forcing the stretch; go only as far as comfortable.
Keep your movements slow and controlled to prevent injury.
Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch FAQs
What muscles does the Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch work?
The Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch mainly works the shoulders and core. The main muscles are the lateral deltoid and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch?
Chair.
What are some Chair Seated Overhead Reaching Stretch variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Overhead 90-To-90 Reach, Chair Diagonal Reach, Chair Lat Stretch and Chair Open-Up.
Training calculators
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