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Foam Roller Chest

Beginner
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Foam roller technique combining self-myofascial release and passive stretch to target pectoral muscles, reducing tension and improving flexibility and shoulder mobility for recovery and posture correction.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Rehab

Training Style

Warm-up
Mobility Flow

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Upper Chest, Mid Chest, Lower Chest

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Place foam roller vertically on the floor. Lie back so it aligns with your spine from head to tailbone, knees bent, feet flat on the floor.

  1. Extend arms out to sides with palms facing up.
  2. Relax shoulders away from ears.
  3. Breathe deeply and hold position for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Gently roll to side to exit.
  5. Switch to opposite side if needed.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Relax fully
  • Breathe deeply
  • Core engaged
  • Shoulders down

Breathing

Inhale deeply to expand chest, exhale slowly to relax deeper into the stretch.

Tempo

0-30-0

Range of Motion

Arms drop toward floor until gentle stretch felt in chest, without arching lower back beyond neutral.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid sharp or radiating pain
  • Do not roll directly on bones
  • Stop if numbness or tingling occurs
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Use softer roller if beginner

Spotting

No spotter needed; self-directed mobility exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Excessive lower back arch
  • Tensing shoulders
  • Rolling over bones
  • Holding breath

When to Avoid

  • Acute chest or shoulder injury
  • Sharp nerve pain
  • Recent surgery in upper body

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic ability to lie supine
  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees

Also known as

Chest Foam Roll, Pec Release Foam Roller, Foam Roller Pec Stretch

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