A Move You Should Do MONDAY – Ball Toss Series

Got a ball? Then it’s time to have a ball! This week’s moves involve tossing a ball in various ways from hand-to-hand. You can use any ball, but it’s best to use a slightly weighted ball (3-5 lbs).

Check out this video: (perform each of the following for 6-20 repetitions)
1. Pass the ball behind your back clockwise and counter clockwise
2. Toss the ball from hand to hand
3. Toss the ball from hand to hand while moving your arms up and down
4. Pass the ball behind your head clockwise and counter clockwise.

Why does this matter?
Your shoulder (glenohumeral) joint and shoulder blade (scapulothoracic joint) often lose mobility with postures that emphasize rounded shoulders and thoracic spine, like prolonged sitting or working on a laptop or watching something on your phone. These postures may cause the scapula to “stick” to your ribcage by shortening key muscles like the serratus anterior and pec minor. A stuck scapula will result in decreased shoulder mobility and pain with arm elevation. 

If you’ve ever grabbed your shoulder due to tension, then this exercise is for you. Give the ball toss series a try. It will only take a minute and your shoulders will thank you.Because nobody has time to be in pain.