My shoulders are tiiiigghht.
Ridiculously so. Even though I haven’t nursed Bazooka in 3 months, I think I’m still recovering from “nursing neck.” Spending 8 hours at a desk bent over a keyboard doesn’t help either.
For almost a solid week, I’ve dealt with the worst neck + shoulder pain on my right side. I don’t know if it’s from overcompensating at BODYPUMP or clinging to the edge of my bed because my toddler likes to sleep horizontally (yes, sometimes when he wakes in the night we bring him to our bed—it works for us), but it’s been torturous.
In an effort to stop pestering my husband for a massage, I’ve begun incorporating some yoga stretches into my daily routine, focusing on my upper back, neck, chest, and shoulders. I think it’s helping, so I thought I’d share my favorite yoga stretches for tight shoulders.
1. Cow face
4. Rabbit
5. Triangle
6. Eagle
7. Bow
8. Camel
(click on the links for image source & more details on how to properly complete the posture)
I try to move from most the simplest/most basic to the deepest stretch. Before trying bow or camel, I like to have my body fully warmed up. Moving too quickly into those postures might result in injury.
Do you like the bright turquoise sports bra featured in my title image? It’s one of the new performance bras from the C9 by Champion line at Target.
I originally received a medium in this same style in black, but apparently I misjudged my size after pregnancy and breastfeeding because it’s a bit too big!
Luckily I also had a 40% off coupon and was able to score another one in a small (which fits perfectly).
This particular bra is meant for medium intensity, but I’m fairly modest and still prefer decent coverage and support when I practice yoga, pilates, or barre.
I’ve yet to try out other C9 bras, but this one is comfortable and sturdy. I love the “petal” inserts (which are SEWN IN so they don’t get lost in the wash—I despise removable padding!) and the coverage they provide.
If you’re looking for an affordable sports bra that offers both style and support, you should check out the C9 line at Target.
- Do you practice yoga?
- What part of your body gives you trouble (shoulders, knees, etc.)?
- Where do you normally buy workout clothes?
**I received one complimentary sports bra and one 40% coupon for an additional bra through my affiliation with Influenster. I was not compensated for this blog post, and, as always, all opinions are my own.
These are great stretches for the shoulder!! Awesome post!
Thank you. Some of them I can barely get into, but they definitely help!
I have a terribly weak rotator cuff which sends burning pain through my neck and arm. I am constantly trying to find new stretches and strength exercises to help alleviate the pain. Working on a computer doesn’t help my situation much. 🙂
Ooof, that sounds painful indeed. My mother had a torn rotator cuff and had surgery, and I remember how difficult and painful it was for her.
My shoulders are tight anyhow, but after nursing my baby for 14 months and spending years at keyboard, I understand! I really need to work on mobility, too.
These are great stretches. I’m feeling more opened just by looking at them. I get really tight in my shoulders and neck so I’m adding these to my list 🙂
Thanks! I hear you. It took a pilates class and some of these stretches to help “un-stiffen” my neck after almost a week of pain! I carry ALL of my tension in my upper back and shoulders.
Such great stretches!! I love stretching but haven’t done it in a while… I must change that! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com 🙂
Thank you, Cailee. I am the same way and should spend MUCH more time stretching my entire body, not just my shoulders/back.
I do need to stretch so much more, because I have really tight muscles…. everywhere. My tightest muscles are probably my back and my hamstrings.
Ooh, my hamstrings are bad, too. Basically my whole body is a tight wad of tension from sitting at a desk!