Exercise Tutorial: Cross Body Shoulder Stretch

Table of Contents

What Is a Cross Body Shoulder Stretch

The Cross Body Shoulder Stretch is a great stretch for the muscles in your shoulder. Athletes such as Baseball and Tennis players would benefit from performing this stretch, as well as those in occupations that require a lot of lifting or overhead duties. The Cross Body Shoulder Stretch is also known as Across The Body Stretch.

How to Do the Cross Body Shoulder Stretch

To learn how to do the Cross Body Shoulder Stretch, follow the instructions below. 

1. Begin in a standing position. Take one arm and place it across your chest.

2. Using your other hand, grab the outer forearm of the arm that’s across your body. Push that arm into your body to feel more of a stretch.

3. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other arm.

4. Make sure that your elbow remains at shoulder height during the stretch.

You have now learned how to perform the Cross Body Shoulder Stretch!

Cross Body Shoulder Stretch Form

When performing the Cross Body Shoulder Stretch, you need to make sure that the arm coming across the body is as straight as possible. This will ensure that the targeted muscles are being stretched appropriately.  

Cross Body Shoulder Stretch Benefits

There are many benefits to including the Cross Body Shoulder Stretch in your routine. Some of these benefits include,

• Relieves tension in the posterior shoulder

• Increase mobility

• Can help to improve posture

• Reduce the risk of injury to the shoulder

• Relieves pain in the posterior shoulder

Cross Body Shoulder Stretch Muscles Worked

The Cross Body Shoulder Stretch will primarily engage the Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Posterior Deltoid, but will also activate the following muscles,

• Trapezius

• Latissimus Dorsi

• Rhomboids

Why Is the Cross Body Stretch Useful

The Cross Body Shoulder Stretch is useful because it is a great stretch to perform both before and after activity. If you are playing a sport that involves the shoulder, the Cross Body Shoulder Stretch will help your muscles to prepare for movement, and also reduce the risk of injury. The Cross Body Shoulder Stretch is also a great stretch for those who might be experiencing some tightness at the back of the shoulder and are looking for some relief.

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