# Overhead Triceps Stretch

Reach one arm overhead and let the hand drop behind the neck, then use the
other hand to ease the elbow back. A simple way to lengthen the triceps and
open the underside of the shoulder between pressing sets.

- **Category:** Stretching
- **Type:** Static stretch (isometric hold)
- **Targets:** Triceps (back of the upper arm), lats, shoulder
- **Prescription:** Hold 30 s per side, easing the elbow back gently
- **Defaults:** 2 × 30 s

## Setup

Stand tall with the feet hip-width. Raise one arm overhead and bend the elbow
so the hand drops down behind the neck.

## Execution

1. Reach the free hand up and rest it on the raised elbow.
2. Draw the elbow gently back and toward the midline until the triceps
   lengthens.
3. Let the trunk lean a touch away from the raised arm to deepen the stretch.
4. Hold and breathe, then release and switch arms.

## Cues

- Ease the elbow back, not down — coax it, never wrench it.
- Keep the ribs from flaring by drawing them softly down.
- Lengthen tall through the spine before adding the side lean.

## Common Mistakes

- Cranking the head forward to meet the arm instead of dropping the hand behind.
- Flaring the ribs and arching the low back to fake more range.
- Shrugging the working shoulder up toward the ear.

## Progression

Walk the hand further down the spine → add a gentle side bend away from the
raised arm → hold a strap between the top and bottom hands to link both
shoulders.
