Open Chest Refresh

5 min

Wake up your chest and shoulders with a concise combination of dynamic swings and wall-assisted stretches.

Roll through this refresh to counter hunching, clear tension, and give your shoulders room to move freely.

Arm Swings

Arm Swings

Duration: 00:30

Loosen the chest and back with rhythmic arm swings that feel almost like a hug every single rep.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Shoulders Chest Biceps

Instructions

  • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and arms stretched out to the sides.
  • Swing both arms forward to cross in front of your chest, alternating which arm lands on top.
  • Open the arms back out wide and keep the movement flowing in a relaxed rhythm.

Tips

  • Start slow to feel the stretch, then let the pace build as your shoulders warm up.
  • Keep shoulders low and breathe steadily so the motion stays smooth.

Adjustments

  • Shorten the swing if any tightness shows up in the chest or upper back.
Chest Opener

Chest Opener

Duration: 00:30

Open your heart space and stretch the front body with a simple yet powerful chest opener.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Chest Abdomen

Instructions

  • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
  • Clasp your hands behind your head and widen your elbows out to the sides.
  • Gently squeeze shoulder blades together and lift your chest as you breathe in.

Tips

  • Keep shoulders soft and away from your ears.
  • Maintain a long spine rather than arching through the lower back.

Adjustments

  • Hold a strap or towel behind your head if your hands do not quite meet comfortably.
Overhead Tricep

Overhead Tricep

Duration: 00:30

Lift and bend your arm overhead to stretch your triceps and open your side body.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Upper Back Obliques Shoulders Chest Lower Back Lats

Instructions

  • Stand or sit tall and raise one arm overhead.
  • Bend the elbow, bringing your hand toward the opposite shoulder blade.
  • Use the other hand to gently guide the elbow toward the midline of your back while breathing deeply.

Tips

  • Keep your torso upright and core engaged so your lower back stays supported.
  • Relax the lifted shoulder away from your ear.

Adjustments

  • Hold a strap between your hands if reaching the elbow feels challenging.
One Arm Hug

One Arm Hug

Duration: 00:30

Cross one arm over your chest for a sweet stretch through the shoulder and lats.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Triceps Shoulders Lats

Instructions

  • Stand tall and reach one arm straight across your body toward the opposite shoulder.
  • Use the other arm to hook the elbow or forearm and pull it closer to your chest.
  • Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.

Tips

  • Keep your torso upright instead of leaning.
  • Relax the extended arm so the shoulder can stretch.

Adjustments

  • Lower the extended arm toward your abdomen for a lighter stretch if needed.
Wall Arms

Wall Arms

Duration: 01:00

Rotate away from a wall-bound arm to open your chest and shoulder with control.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Chest Biceps

Instructions

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and the side of your shoulder touching a wall.
  • Rotate your torso to reach back and place your palm on the wall at shoulder height.
  • Keep your hand planted as you square your hips and chest forward, feeling the stretch.

Tips

  • Align knees, hips, and shoulders when you finish the rotation.

Adjustments

  • Step slightly away from the wall if the stretch feels too intense.
Wall Pecs

Wall Pecs

Duration: 01:00

Use a wall or doorway to stretch your chest and shoulders with a controlled lean.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Chest

Instructions

  • Stand in a doorway or at a wall corner and place your palm and forearm against the surface at shoulder height, elbow bent to ninety degrees.
  • Step forward with one leg and lean into the stretch until you feel your chest open.

Tips

  • Draw your shoulder blade down and back to avoid shrugging.
  • Keep your torso upright without twisting.

Adjustments

  • Lean less if you prefer a gentler stretch.
Doorway Pecs

Doorway Pecs

Duration: 00:30

Stretch your chest in a doorway to counter rounded shoulders and fuel better posture.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Chest

Instructions

  • Stand inside a doorway and place forearms and palms on the frame at shoulder height, elbows bent to ninety degrees.
  • Step one foot forward and gently lean your body through the doorway until you feel a chest stretch.
  • Hold the position while breathing deeply, letting the front of the shoulders soften.

Tips

  • Draw shoulder blades down and back so the stretch targets the chest, not the neck.
  • Keep your spine long and avoid arching the lower back.

Adjustments

  • Lean only slightly forward if you want a lighter stretch or if the shoulders feel sensitive.
Reverse Shoulder

Reverse Shoulder

Duration: 00:30

Interlace your hands behind you to stretch the front of your shoulders and chest.

Difficulty: Beginner

Benefits: Shoulders Chest Biceps

Instructions

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and clasp your hands behind your back, thumbs pointing down.
  • Straighten your arms and gently lift your hands away from your back.
  • Draw shoulders back and down, lift your chest, and tuck your chin slightly while holding the stretch.

Tips

  • Engage your core so your lower back stays supported.
  • Avoid overarching through your spine as you lift your hands.

Adjustments

  • Lift your hands only a little if the stretch feels intense today.

Let your arms hang loose, take a proud inhale, and carry that openness into whatever comes next.