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Upper Arm Stretches
Your arms carry a big load in a day. Between all the lifting, toting and hauling; the pushing, pulling, and wiping, we sometimes we forget how much work we ask them to do. Take 5: Give them a treat why don’t you?
Biceps Stretch
Starting Position: Stand facing a wall about an inch or two away (you can use a post and pretend it is a wall). Raise one arm outstretched to the side and place your hand and wrist, thumb side against the wall. Keeping your raised hand in that position, slowly turn your body away from your outstretched arm. You should feel a stretch all along your biceps and into your chest. CAREFUL not to lock your elbow. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, breathing evenly. Reverse sides.
  
Triceps Stretch
Starting Position: Standing or sitting with your shoulders relaxed, raise one arm directly overhead with its elbow bent. Your elbow should be resting against the side of your head and the hand of that arm in a position to pat yourself on the shoulder. Reach your free arm across the top of your head and place its hand on top of the bent elbow of the opposite arm. Slowly push the elbow toward the back of your head. You should feel a stretch along the underside (triceps side) of your upper arm. Hold the positions for 30 seconds, breathing evenly. Reverse sides.
If you have trouble reaching your bent elbow with your opposite hand, try using a towel to help you achieve this stretch. Grasp the towel in the hand of arm that is raised by your head so that the towel hangs down behind your back. Reach behind your back with your other hand and grasp the loose end of the towel. Pull the towel down until you feel a nice stretch in the triceps muscle of the arm by your head.
The Cross Arm Deltoid Stretch
Starting Position: Standing or sitting with your shoulders relaxed, bring one arm across your body at shoulder height. Place your opposite hand just above the elbow of your crossed arm. Gently use your hand to pull the arm across your body, feeling a lengthening in the muscles of your shoulder and upper arm. Hold this position for about 30 seconds. Reverse arms.
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