Combined movements, such as the shoulder and pectoral stretch, are good because they tend to more closely mimic the types of movements we do when training and doing sports.
The shoulder and pectoral stretch, for example, quite closely follows the type of movement pattern we use when we perform an exercise like bench press or push-ups.
Rather than trying to isolate individual muscles, the shoulder and pectoral stretch works on the principle that as we use muscles in combination, it makes sense to work on flexibility the same way.
This is a developmental flexibility exercise that should be done at the end of a workout, as part of your cool down, rather than during the warm up. It is performed as follows:
- The starting position is standing.
- Use either a doorway or a corner.
- Raise the hands above the head, elbows bent 90 degrees.
- With palms facing forward, place your hands on the doorjambs and lean forward slightly.
- You should feel the tightness across your chest and upper body.
- Hold for 30 seconds then relax and repeat.
