In this video, we look at a simple, do-it-at-home stretch for your pectoral and deltoid muscles. Specifically, the combination of your pectoral and anterior deltoids work together in rotating and reaching with your arms.

Important note! Keep your elbow below your shoulder when performing this stretch. Otherwise, you risk difficult stress and injury to your joints and muscles.

The pectoral muscles, more commonly called the “pects”, protect the front of the chest and extend to the bones of the shoulder all the way to the upper arm. The pectoral muscle group is made up of two distinct muscles, the major and minor pectorals.

The deltoid muscle is a large, triangle-shaped muscle that wraps around your shoulder joint. It is easily identified by the fact that it gives the top of the shoulder its boulder-like shape. The anterior deltoid, which is stretched in this video, is the front part of the deltoid muscle which connects to the pectoral muscle.

Together, these muscle groups perform a variety of functions. They can become tight and limited in their range of motion (ROM) due to disuse or overuse. It is important that your pectoral and deltoid muscles are properly stretched or you will risk problems with mobility down the road.

You can do this stretch either in a door frame or in the corner of a room. Remember to hold each stretch for 10 seconds, and repeat on a regular basis to build your ROM.