I have a client that has really tight shoulders and pecs. We have been doing stretches to help loosen/open her up. In one of our sessions this week I had her against the wall, and we did wall squats having her move her arms up against the wall as she lowers in the squat. She was not able to lift her arms up against the wall because she is still "tight". Any and all suggestions will be appreciated to help her.

Thanks

Hi Jodie! The foam roller is a life saver I would highly recommend watching Class 543 with Rebekah Rotstein for inspiration.

Thanks Nicole

Jodie I would also recommend using a step barrel or arc barrel for upper body stretching. It's pretty nice and very beneficial. If I find a video that uses it that way I will share it.

Hi Jodie.....I relate to your client! I have worked through years of having a tight chest/shoulder area and find the Spine Corrector to be one of the best apparatus choices for this. It's very supportive and offers many exercises to open the front line as well as strengthen the back....which will in turn , open the front. Class 1070 of mine is nice. Also make sure to address side lying positions on the Corrector in order to open up the side body--can't forget that! The Lats are there....and if short and tight, can also lead to tight chest and shoulders. Good Luck!

Thanks Amy and Gina appreciate it.

Hi Jodie

I can personally relate to tight shoulders and chest. Focusing on alignment, width across the collar bone and shoulder blades with engaging back extensors. Just some of the exercises that helped me:
- extension work on the ball
- book openings with a bent elbow to focus on the thoracic rotation and activation of the extensors with obliques to stabilise.
- swimming with hands under the forehead initially. keep elbows wide and width across the chest, head aligned.
- spikey ball release in the lats and pecs
- conventional dead lifts (watch alignment)
- conventional double & single arm rows

There is a class on PilatesAnytime. I will post it just now.

Obviously all of the suggested exercises above need to be adjusted to your client.

Steph

Class 895 by Elizabeth larkham is lovely for opening up the chest and strengthening the extensors.

I am going to do Amy Havens too!