Shrug Off Shoulder Tension With These 10 Strengthening Exercises

"Think of the dozens of activities that are driven by these muscles (brushing your teeth, washing your hair, making breakfast, typing, driving, carrying groceries, practicing Plank and Downward Dog, and the list goes on). As the most mobile joints in the body, the shoulders are also susceptible to injury on and off the yoga mat. Sometimes it's not until you feel a strain, tweak, or otherwise unpleasant sensation that you realize just how much you rely on them-and how frustrating shoulder discomfort can be."

"Exhale as you reach your arms straight up toward the ceiling with your hands slightly closer than shoulder-width apart and palms facing each other. Round your shoulders and draw your chin toward your chest, lifting your head and shoulders off the mat as if you were doing a slow crunch. Inhale as you lower your head and arms back to the mat with your elbows bent by your sides and your palms facing in. Press your elbows into the mat and squeeze your shoulder blades toward each other. Allow your chest to lift, arching your upper back away from the mat. Pause for a breath here, then release."

Shoulders perform many daily tasks and are among the most mobile joints, which makes them prone to strain and injury. Strengthening and stabilizing shoulder muscles can minimize discomfort, reduce injury risk, and support functional movements on and off the mat. A short sequence of targeted exercises can serve as a warm-up or a cool-down. Simple props such as a yoga strap and two blocks can enhance the practice. Examples include reclined shoulder squeezes that engage the shoulder blades and upper back, training the shoulders to bear load and improving control for poses like Chaturanga.

Read at Yoga Journal