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Shoulder Flexibility
Table of Contents
Narratives
Simple Stretches = Better Shoulders
Shoulder Flexibility
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, so let’s keep it that way!
It’s a ball-and-socket joint that connects your arm to your torso, built from bones, joints, and soft tissues working together.
What about that rotator cuff thingy?
Inside the shoulder sits the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles that attach from the shoulder blade to the arm bone.
It’s not really a “cuff” in the way most people imagine.
Instead of wrapping like a sleeve, they act like rubber bands pulling from different angles to lift, rotate, and stabilize the arm!
What does this mean for flexibility?
You don’t need to stretch every small muscle. Focus on the bigger players that influence mobility.
The Big Players
Pecs: Tight pecs limit reaching behind you. A chest stretch opens the shoulder.
Lats: When tight, they block overhead reach. A lat stretch restores mobility.
Rotation: Focus on the movement, not the muscles. The sleeper stretch or pole external rotation reduce rotational tightness.
And remember, many of these stretches overlap, so you are hitting multiple muscles simultaneously.
Keep At It
By focusing on these areas, you target the muscles that most significantly impact functional shoulder flexibility.
All you have to do is stay consistent. Simple stretches, done often, build lasting flexibility. Ease into stretches and avoid pushing past your body’s limits.
Please support my work here!
Stay Flexy,
David
Ready to keep the momentum going?
Scroll down to check out today’s challenge and see how you do!
Movement of the Day
Cow Stretch
The Cow stretch opens the chest, stretches the front body, and improves spinal mobility.
Watch the demo here.
How to Do It:
Start on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Drop your belly toward the floor, lift your tailbone and head, and hold while breathing deeply.
Tips:
Keep your shoulders away from your ears
Move slowly with your breath
Use a cushion under your knees if needed
Many of these exercises are featured in my complete flexibility plan.
Reply “Flexy” for an awesome promo code.
Myth-Busting
MYTH: No pain, no gain!
For lifting, significant discomfort is needed, but pain? That is how injuries happen. For stretching, considerable discomfort is necessary, but pain is not. We want growth, not tears!
Stretch with Me
Your Daily Reset for Tight Muscles
Here’s a quick daily routine designed to release tension, increase flexibility, and leave you feeling refreshed.
Subscribe to @WorkoutsbyDavid for more follow-along videos!
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Today’s Challenge
Gratitude Write-Down
Take a moment to jot down three things you are grateful for right now, big or small.
Reply and share one of yours so we can spread some good energy through THE STRETCH crew.
Check out last week’s challenge here.
How did you do on the last challenge? |
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