1. Forgotten Chests
Whether you're an athlete or a bank teller, it's a good idea to stretch out chest muscles. People tend to hold tension in the upper parts of their bodies, especially the neck, shoulders, upper arms, back and chest. People who work out regularly may carry around extra tight muscles in their chests without realizing it. During exercise routines, chest stretches are usually the last thing a person thinks about. Typically, stretching exercises that target the chest aren't taught by coaches or trainers, and no one really thinks about how important it is to stretch out chest muscles.
2. What's Your Chest Doing?
Most chest stretches involve opening the chest up, especially since we often sit or stand with chest muscles relaxed downward and arms hanging down by our sides or in front of us. When you think about it, it's no wonder we forget to take in deep breaths during our daily routines. We tend to forget about the upper part of the body all together and let it hang in a slightly collapsed state. Activities like computer usage, playing video games and watching television tend to exacerbate the problem.
3. Fight or Flight Response
Many Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder, and the first place it usually manifests itself is in the chest area. Instead of rushing to the doctor to get a new prescription of anti-anxiety medication, try chest stretches as well as other forms of overall stretching and relaxation, such as Yoga or Pilates.
4. Chest Stretch and Breathe
No matter what you're doing, it's a good idea to stop for a few minutes to stretch your chest. First, simply open up chest muscles so that you can breathe. Take in deep breaths as you try various types of chest stretches. Make chest stretching a normal part of your workout routine as well. What better way to prepare your body for vigorous exercise than starting with a chest stretch? Circulate oxygen throughout your body and stimulate core muscles beginning with the chest area.
5. Beyond Breathing and Posture
Besides opening up your chest and breathing deeply, remember to actually stretch out chest muscles so that they'll be flexible and strong. Any exercise where you're clasping your hands behind you will create a good chest stretch. Lean forward or stand up straight during this kind of stretch. Also, don't forget to stretch forward by clasping hands with stretched out arms in front of you. Reach one arm up at a time above your head to feel a chest stretch through each side of your upper body. Clasp hands above your head and stretch arms upward to feel a different kind of chest stretch. Keep in mind that both Yoga and Pilates incorporate many different types of exercises and poses for chest stretch. Finally, don't forget to hug yourself for the kindest chest stretch of all.
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