A Move You Should Do MONDAY – 4-Point Lat Stretch
The 4-point lat stretch is a simple but effective way to stretch one of the most commonly tight muscles of your back/shoulders, the latissimus dorsi (lat). Here’s how to do it:
- Start on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip- width apart
- Place your forearms on the floor with your hands in the prayer position
- Slowly shift your weight back and lower your hips towards your heels. You should feel a stretch in the posterior armpit area
- Perform 6-10 repetitions
Why does this matter?
Stand in front of a mirror in your most natural position. Do you see knuckles? You should only be able to see the thumb and side of your index finger. If you see knuckles, chances are you have a tight lat. A tight lat may lie at the root cause of many upper extremity overuse injuries, such as rotator cuff tendonitis/impingement, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. Lat tightness occurs when we sit or slouch for prolonged periods of time.
So give the 4-point lat stretch a try. You arms and back will thank you.
Because nobody has time to be in pain.
Until next time…
