Mobility & stretching

Seated chest stretch

Opening your arms and lifting your chest while seated — good for posture.

Beginner Low impact Sturdy chair
Movement diagram for Seated chest stretch: seated on a chair
Original diagram — start and finish positions.

How to do it

  1. Sit upright and away from the back of the chair.
  2. Pull your shoulders back and down and extend your arms out to the sides.
  3. Gently push your chest forward and up until you feel a stretch across your chest.
  4. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. The NHS suggests repeating 5 times.

Form tips

  • Keep your chin level.

Common mistakes

  • Arching the lower back instead of lifting the chest.

Easier and harder

Make it easier

Clasp your hands behind your lower back instead.

Make it harder

Hold for longer.

Sources

  1. NHS: Sitting exercises — checked 3 Oct 2026

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