As the name suggests, The Wall Angel stretch doesn’t require any equipment, just a wall and regular practice can have great benefits on your posture long term.
Most people spend hours hunched over in front of the computer. Slowly, we can see our posture changing and our upper back starting to round.
Performing this stretch regularly will help strengthen your back and start to correct that curve. It also helps to activate the upper back muscles that keep our shoulders pushed back. Another result of performing this stretch regularly is helping lengthen the muscles in our chest and spine, while strengthening core muscles, which can help keep our spine neutral by stabilising our trunk.
BENEFITS
If you normally suffer from pain or tightness in your shoulders, this exercise will relieve that stress, making it easier to raise your arms above your head.
This stretch will help to improve your posture. The stronger the muscles in your upper back become, the easier it will be for those muscles to maintain your spine in an upright position, therefore, and the better your posture will be.
Other benefits from this stretch include:
- Enhanced thoracic spine mobility: over time and with consistent stretching, your spine can become more flexible.
- It can help relieve pain in the neck and back area: helping stretch and release the tension in these areas of the body will reduce the pain in those areas as well.
- Stress relief: day-to-day stress makes your muscles tense. The wall angel stretch helps release some of that tension in muscle groups such as the upper back, neck, and shoulders, leaving the you with lower stress levels.
HOW TO PERFORM THE STRETCH
- Lean your back against a wall, making sure all your back is touching the wall, including your lower back, with no arch.
- Tuck in your chin slightly and place your head against the wall.
- Shoulders should be down and away from your ears.
- Bend the elbows at a 90-degree angle, and place your forearms and fingertip against the wall, above your head.
- Take a deep breath and when you excel, slowly extend your arms above your head.’
- If you find that movement too difficult, you can extend your arms in a wider “V” shape. Another modification is to move your feet further from the wall while ensuring your lower back is always pressed against it.
Although this stretch may seem simple, you want to take your time with it, and perform it regularly but is a slow and thoughtful movement.
Below is the link to a video instruction on how to perform this exercise correctly.
If you are unsure if this stretch may help you, consult with your regular chiropractor. And if you don’t yet have a regular chiropractor, book your initial consultation by calling 09 827 2310 and find out if chiropractic care is the best option for you.
Written by Florencia Otano
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/wall-angels
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