Fit Tip: Shoulder Flexibility

 Why does it matter if your shoulders are tight/inflexible?

Do you want to be able to dress yourself into your old age?

The normal position many of us assume at our day jobs keeps us in a forward posture, creating tightness in the shoulders, chest and neck. I spent twenty years working in the field of dentistry and learned about shoulder flexibility the hard way. When I taught dental hygiene, one of my co-workers (who was also a yoga teacher) walked around with her hands behind her back, clasping her elbows. One day, I tried it and it hurt like crazy. Stiff shoulders are no fun.

I started working on my shoulder flexibility and got excited when I saw improvements. Recently, I taught a BodyFlow track with cow face pose (cow pose/gomukhasana) and was not surprised to hear complaints from participants.

It can be uncomfortable to stretch our shoulders because it’s not a body part we typically think needs attention. But if you’ve ever had a shoulder problem, you know how much we rely on them to function daily: brush teeth/hair, wash dishes, vacuum, drive, pick up your child, etc.

If you’re interested in improving yours, you can start small and work your way up. 1. Try clasping your hands behind your hips. 2. Press your palms together. 3. Lift hands toward the sky. Each level requires a little more release in the shoulders.

If that was easy, try for the elbow grab behind the back. 1. Start with wrists. 2. Go to forearms. 3. Reach for elbows.  Again, a little more is felt with each step. (Be sure to try it with each hand on top to work both sides equally.)

Then, you can go for the big daddy: Cow Face Arms (there’s a lower body component to the full pose) 1. Lift and bend one arm overhead for a tricep stretch. 2. Wrap the other arm behind your back and reach for the top hand. (Use a strap/towel/belt/tie to hold in both hands and slowly walk the hands closer together.) Eventually, after several weeks/months/years of practice, your fingertips may touch and you’ll do the dance for joy to celebrate.

 I’m still working on it. One side is easier than the other and if I push it, I get sore and achy. Be careful with your shoulders. Take care of them and they’ll take care of you.

Can you think of another shoulder stretch? Have you ever had your quality of life affected by lack of shoulder mobility? I’d love to hear from you.