Standing · Mobility · 40 seconds

Overhead reach

Also called overhead stretch, standing overhead reach or arms overhead stretch.

How to do a overhead reach

1. Stand tall with your feet hip width apart and your arms by your sides.
2. Slowly reach both arms up, as high as feels easy, keeping your head level.
3. Do not lean back, and stop if your shoulders pinch.
4. Lower your arms slowly back to your sides.

In Vaskuna the voice says: “Stand tall with your feet apart. Reach both arms up as high as feels easy, then lower them slowly.”

Go gently

Keep your head level and do not lean back. Stop if your shoulders pinch.

Breathe in as you reach up and out as you lower your arms.

Make it easier

Do it seated in a sturdy chair, or reach one arm at a time.

Make it a little harder

Reach up more slowly and pause for a moment at the top.

You will need

Nothing but a little room.

In a session

In Vaskuna this usually lasts 40 seconds. It is part of two routines: Reach and stretch, Desk break.

Questions

Can I do an overhead reach sitting down?

Yes. Sit tall in a sturdy chair and reach up in the same way. This is a good choice if reaching up while standing makes you feel unsteady.

Should I lean back as I reach up?

No. Reach straight up only as high as feels easy, keep your head level and do not lean back. Stop before you feel any pinching in your shoulders.

More mobility movements

• Ankle pumps
• Seated march
• Shoulder rolls
• Slow neck turns
• Calf stretch
• Gentle seated twist
• Seated side bend
• Chest opener
• Wrist and hand circles
• Heel and toe taps

Vaskuna is not a medical device. It does not diagnose, treat, monitor or prevent any condition, and nothing in it is medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting new exercise, and stop and seek medical help if you notice chest pain or tightness, severe breathlessness, dizziness, or a racing heartbeat.