The wall stretch can provide quick and effective relief to your shoulders and neck. It’s a great exercise to do if you’ve been sitting a lot or doing computer work.
Doing the wall stretch can even help revive you when you hit that sleepy spot in the afternoon. (I know you know what I mean!) Take a break from your work sometime today and try this stretch — you’ll feel better for it.
How to Do the Wall Stretch:
- Stand facing a wall and place your hands on the wall about chest high, straight out in line with your shoulders. (Tip: The top of your fingertips will be in line with the tops of your shoulders.)
- Spread your fingertips and keep a slight pressure on the wall with your thumbs and index fingers.
- Walk your feet back and make a ninety-degree angle with your body by placing your ankles directly beneath your hips.
- Make sure your feet are pointed straight ahead (this will look slightly pigeon-toed) and your feet are hip-width distance apart (measured by a fist and a half between the ankles).
- Kick your hips back and place an arch in your lower back. Allow your back to flatten and your belly to relax.
- Straighten your knees and tighten your thigh muscles. Tightening the thigh muscles is a critical component and must happen for you to get the full benefit of the exercise.
- Keep your elbows straight and don’t let your hands slide down the wall.
- Breathe deep and hold this position for one minute.
