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Upper Trapezius Stretch

Beginner
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A simple bodyweight neck stretch targeting the upper trapezius to relieve tension and improve mobility; commonly performed seated or standing for posture correction.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Traps

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Mobility
Rehab

Training Style

Yoga
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Traps

10/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

2-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds

How to Perform

Sit upright in a chair with feet flat on the floor and shoulders relaxed. Place the hand on the stretching side behind your back to anchor the shoulder down.

  1. Tilt your head to the opposite side, bringing ear toward shoulder.
  2. Keep gaze forward and nose aligned.
  3. Optionally, place opposite hand on head to gently deepen the stretch.
  4. Hold the position feeling pull in neck and upper shoulder.
  5. Breathe deeply and relax into the stretch.
  6. Slowly return head to neutral.
  7. Repeat on the other side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Shoulder down and back
  • Gentle tilt only
  • Eyes forward
  • Breathe steadily
  • Relax jaw
  • Even sides

Breathing

Inhale deeply to relax, exhale as you settle into the stretch.

Tempo

0-20-0

Range of Motion

Tilt head until ear approaches shoulder without lifting the stretching shoulder or rotating the chin.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Avoid if recent neck injury
  • Stretch both sides equally
  • Use gentle pressure only
  • Consult doctor for chronic issues

Spotting

No spotting needed; self-perform safely alone.

Common Mistakes

  • Bouncing the head
  • Shrugging the shoulder
  • Rotating the chin
  • Holding breath
  • Overstretching into pain
  • Uneven sides

When to Avoid

  • Acute neck injury
  • Recent whiplash
  • Severe cervical instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic neck lateral flexion range

Also known as

Upper Trap Stretch, Neck Side Bend Stretch, Seated Trap Stretch

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