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Bent-Over Shoulder Stretch

Beginner
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A bodyweight stretch hinging forward at the hips with arms clasped behind the back to target anterior deltoids, chest, and biceps for improved shoulder mobility and posture relief.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Chest, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Traps

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Mobility

Training Style

Yoga
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Anterior Delts

Chest

9/10

Mid Chest

Biceps

8/10

Long Head

Traps

4/10

Mid Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, clasp hands behind your back, and straighten arms while retracting shoulder blades.

  1. Hinge forward from hips keeping back straight.
  2. Lift clasped arms toward ceiling as torso lowers.
  3. Engage core to maintain neutral spine.
  4. Hold position feeling stretch in shoulders and chest.
  5. Breathe deeply for 20-30 seconds.
  6. Slowly return to upright position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep back straight
  • Pull shoulder blades down
  • Lift arms high
  • Breathe steadily
  • Avoid rounding spine

Breathing

Inhale deeply to expand chest, exhale to deepen the stretch while maintaining even breathing.

Tempo

0-0-5

Range of Motion

Hinge until torso is near parallel to floor with arms extended fully behind without pain.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Warm up before stretching
  • Stop if pain occurs
  • Maintain spinal alignment
  • Consult professional for shoulder issues

Spotting

No spotting required; perform solo with focus on form.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the back
  • Forcing arms too high
  • Bouncing in the stretch
  • Holding breath

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder injuries
  • Recent rotator cuff issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic hip hinge mobility

Also known as

Shoulder Extension Stretch, Chest Opener Bend, Behind-Back Shoulder Stretch

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