Upward Stretch

What it is

This movement gently stretches your shoulders, chest, and latissimus dorsi, or lats. You extend your arms overhead, reaching for an upward stretch. It is a beginner-friendly, static hold that helps improve upper body flexibility. Focus on controlled movement and maintaining a straight back.

Technique tips

• Extend your arms fully overhead, pressing your palms together.
• Gently reach up and slightly back, feeling the stretch.
• Keep your core engaged to maintain a neutral spine.
• Avoid arching your lower back excessively during the reach.
• Breathe deeply and smoothly throughout the duration of the stretch.
• Focus on elongating your torso with each gentle push upward.

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.