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Exercise guide
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
A standing stretch that targets the rear shoulder by drawing one arm horizontally across the chest.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- posterior deltoid · rhomboids
- Goals
- mobility
- Equipment
- No equipment
- Category
- Stretching
- Difficulty
- beginner
Demonstration
Step 1
How to perform the movement
- Stand tall and bring one straight arm across your chest.
- Hook your other forearm under it.
- Gently pull the arm closer to your chest.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, breathing steadily.
- Switch sides and repeat.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Keep the stretching shoulder down, not shrugged.
- Do not pull on the elbow joint itself.