Did you know that most of your daily movements involve rotating your shoulders inwards and leaning forwards? Typing in front of your computer, playing games or doing video animation, carrying objects in front of you, gardening, doing laundry, cooking and taking your kids out of car seats are cases in point. Most work is done in front of your body and involves the use of your arms.

Although we tend to contract our pectoral (chest) muscles through our daily repetitive movements, we don’t stretch them enough. To do this, you need simply open your chest and arms and rotate your shoulders outwards, holding this position for 10 seconds . This simple stretching exercise will loosen your chest and shoulder muscles. Repeat this exercise three to five times a day and you will be on your way to reducing your chest and shoulder muscle tension.

Sae Tsuji