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Wall Shoulder Stretch

Beginner
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Wall-based stretch that targets shoulders and chest to improve flexibility and range of motion, relieving tension for better mobility in daily activities or workouts.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Traps

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

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Chest

8/10

Upper Chest, Mid Chest

Lats

5/10

Teres Major

Traps

4/10

Lower Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Between sides if unilateral

How to Perform

Stand facing a wall at arm's length with feet shoulder-width apart. Place both hands on the wall at shoulder height, fingers pointing up.

  1. Walk feet back slowly while keeping hands planted.
  2. Lower chest toward floor by hinging at hips.
  3. Maintain straight back and slight elbow bend.
  4. Pull shoulder blades down and back.
  5. Breathe deeply to deepen the stretch.
  6. Hold position for 20-30 seconds.
  7. Walk feet forward to release.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep spine neutral
  • Shoulders down away from ears
  • Press chest open
  • Breathe steadily
  • Avoid bouncing

Breathing

Inhale to prepare, exhale as you deepen the stretch while bracing core.

Tempo

0-20-0

Range of Motion

From hands at shoulder height on wall to torso folded forward until mild stretch felt in shoulders and chest, without rounding back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Avoid if acute shoulder injury
  • Maintain neutral neck position
  • Do not bounce or jerk

Spotting

No spotting required; self-supported stretch.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Forcing beyond mild tension
  • Hunching forward
  • Holding breath

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent rotator cuff injury
  • Sharp joint pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic shoulder flexion
  • Neutral spine control

Build Up First

  • None

Also known as

Wall Chest Stretch, Shoulder Wall Stretch, Doorway Shoulder Stretch

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