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Wall Pectoral Stretch

Beginner
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A static wall stretch that targets the pectoral muscles and anterior deltoids to improve chest flexibility and posture; hold for 20-30 seconds per side to relieve tightness from upper body work.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Biceps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Mobility
Stability

Training Style

Yoga
Warm-up

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

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Biceps

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds • Between sides

How to Perform

Stand next to a wall with feet shoulder-width apart. Place your inside forearm against the wall at shoulder height with elbow bent at 90 degrees and palm flat.

  1. Keep feet planted and torso tall.
  2. Slowly rotate your body away from the wall until you feel a gentle stretch in your chest.
  3. Step forward slightly with the outside foot if needed to deepen.
  4. Hold steady without bouncing.
  5. Breathe deeply and relax into the stretch.
  6. Return to start by rotating back.
  7. Switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Shoulder blade down and back
  • Chest open, gaze forward
  • Elbow soft, not locked
  • Breathe into the stretch
  • No bouncing
  • Feel it in pecs only

Breathing

Inhale to prepare, exhale slowly to deepen the stretch while keeping your core braced.

Tempo

0-0-20

Range of Motion

Rotate until mild tension in chest and front shoulder; arm stays fixed with elbow at 90 degrees and shoulder down.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Avoid if recent shoulder injury
  • Ease out if tingling in arm
  • Warm up first
  • Consult doctor for conditions
  • Keep movement controlled

Spotting

No spotting needed; self-monitor for comfort.

Common Mistakes

  • Rotating too far causing pain
  • Letting shoulder hike up
  • Bouncing or jerking
  • Holding breath
  • Over-arching lower back
  • Pushing into numbness

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent pectoral strain
  • Nerve impingement symptoms

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic shoulder external rotation
  • Adequate thoracic mobility

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with static stretching

Also known as

Wall Chest Stretch, Standing Pec Stretch

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