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Doorway Bicep Stretch

Beginner
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A bodyweight stretch using a doorframe that targets the biceps, chest, and anterior shoulders to improve upper body flexibility and posture; commonly held for 15-30 seconds per set.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight, Others

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Popularity Score

7

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

Biceps

10/10

Long Head, Short Head

Chest

8/10

Upper Chest, Mid Chest

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

2-4 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds • Brief recovery between holds

How to Perform

Stand in an open doorway with feet shoulder-width apart. Raise arms to shoulder height, bend elbows at 90 degrees, and place forearms flat against the doorframe with fingers pointing up.

  1. Step forward slightly with one foot to lean your chest through the doorway.
  2. Feel a gentle stretch in your biceps, chest, and front shoulders.
  3. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
  4. Hold the position steadily.
  5. Breathe deeply and evenly.
  6. Step back slowly to release.
  7. Repeat for desired sets.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep shoulders down
  • Back straight
  • Chest lifted
  • Gentle lean only
  • Breathe steadily
  • Core lightly engaged

Breathing

Inhale deeply to prepare, then exhale as you lean into the stretch; maintain steady breathing throughout the hold.

Tempo

0-0-5

Range of Motion

Lean forward until you feel a mild stretch in the front of your arms and chest, with elbows at 90 degrees and shoulders level; avoid excessive forward bend that causes back arch.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder or elbow pain exists
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Warm up first
  • Do not force beyond comfort
  • Consult professional for injuries
  • Maintain neutral spine

Spotting

No spotting required; perform solo in a stable doorway.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding shoulders
  • Arching lower back
  • Jerking into stretch
  • Holding breath
  • Over-leaning causing pain
  • Dropping head forward

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent elbow injury
  • Severe wrist issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic shoulder flexion
  • Adequate wrist extension

Build Up First

  • None; suitable for all levels with modifications

Also known as

Door Frame Bicep Stretch, Wall Bicep Stretch, Doorway Arm Stretch

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