1. Connected to the Shoulder
The deltoid muscles are the large muscles that are connected to the shoulders and hold them in place above the rotator cuff. Bodybuilders work diligently to build these muscles for the kind of physique with which they can compete. Fitness enthusiasts realize the importance of strong, flexible deltoids in most every kind of activity that they do. Stiff, tight deltoids can lead to serious injuries and surgery that can put you out of commission for lifting a bag of groceries, let alone free weights or barbells. Pay attention to the amount of stretching you apply to the delts for prevent down time and a whole lot of pain.
2. Prevent Injury
Stretching is the best way to avoid injury. The delts, or deltoid muscle groups, often get way too much pulling to constitute a good stretch. Shrugs and shoulder blade tugs give them some stretch, but the double delt stretch is one that really isolates the delts, with little chance of causing injury as so many stretches and exercises are liable to do.
3. Up Against the Wall
Stand near a wall with a stability ball between you and the wall. Use a medium size ball about 24 inches in diameter and use your chest to hold it to the wall. Set your feet shoulder length apart and stretch you neck up. Keep your shoulders down and your abdominal muscles pulled in. Leave your arms hanging at your sides. Without standing on your toes or using your hands, roll the ball up the wall. Stretch your body out as far as you can. Breathe in while you stretch up and let out your breath as you relax back into the original position. Hold for a count of five and do it again.
4. Win at All Costs
Body builders are tireless athletes who endure great pain sometimes to achieve their goals. If you are a body builder or weight lifter who likes to push the envelope a little more every day, then you need to include as many stretching routines into your regimen as you can. Look at the double delt stretch as a way to stretch your muscles to make room for more.
5. Across the Aisle
Most every athlete could use a few more deltoid stretches in their routines. Swimmers, baseball and tennis players are especially prone to rotator cuff injuries because of the overuse on the shoulder joint. Stiffness leads to injuries, which are often ignored, and the next thing you know, you're out of the game.
