A Move You Should Do MONDAY – Supine Shoulder Flexion

Person performing back exercise in gym setting.

This week’s move, supine shoulder flexion, is a small move that can make a big difference in your every day. I mentioned this move briefly in my blog last week, but it begs repeat mention because of its importance in stretching one of the most commonly tight muscles of your body, the latissimus dorsi, or the lats.

Here’s how to do it:

LIe on your back with your knees bent
Start with your elbows locked straight and your arms pointed towards the ceiling
Alternately lower one arm to touch your fist to the floor. Make sure your back does not arch and your arms graze your ears
Perform 6-10 repetitions on each side

Why does this matter?

The lats are unique in that they are the one muscle on your back that doesn’t pull your shoulders back. In fact, due to their insertion on the front of your humerus (arm bone), they actually pull your shoulders forward. The lats also attach to the thoracolumbar fascia and your pelvis, causing your lumbar spine to extend (or sway).

If you get back pain with prolonged standing or walking, or your feel a pinch or pain at the top of your shoulders when you reach overhead, you may have tight lats.

So give the supine shoulder flexion move a try.

Because nobody has time to be in pain.

Until next time…