Office Chest Stretch

This page provides details for the Office Chest Stretch. This stretch focuses on the chest, shoulder and upper back muscles. It is used by martial artists to loosen up before training for grappling techniques and/or punching routines. Martial arts students use these stretches to warm up their muscles, improve their overall flexibility and reduce the potential for some injuries (i.e. strained pectoral muscles). If you are looking for additional chest stretches, please visit the main Chest Stretches section.

In this stretch, you will place your hands behind your head, move your elbows backward and press your shoulder blades together. At the same, your chest should be pushed forward. This exercise is called an "office" chest stretch because it can be performed while sitting at a desk. This stretch can also be done in conjunction with the Doorway Chest Stretch (if you are performing these stretches in your office).

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For information on other stretches (i.e. hamstring or triceps stretches), please visit the main Martial Arts Stretching section.