Upper back exercise · body weight
Upper Back Stretch
The upper back stretch is a bodyweight exercise that targets the upper back, with the shoulders assisting.
- Target muscle
- Upper back
- Also works
- Shoulders
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Back
How to do the upper back stretch
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your arms straight in front of you, parallel to the ground.
- Interlace your fingers and rotate your palms away from your body.
- Slowly raise your arms overhead, keeping them straight and parallel to each other.
- As you raise your arms, squeeze your shoulder blades together.
- Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then release and repeat.
Sets and reps
Hold each stretch for 20–40 seconds, breathing slowly, and repeat 2–3 times per side. Stretch to mild tension, never pain.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is the upper back. The shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all upper back exercises or every bodyweight exercise.
