Last week I featured a stretch that focused on releasing the muscles and fascia on the top of your forearms (when your palms face down). This week we’ll look at the counter stretch to this, or an opposing movement to release the muscles and fascia on the bottom or inner side of your forearms.
Similar to last week because this stretch tensions nerves, be gentle. Look for a mild feeling. On a scale of 0 to 5 where 5 is the most, try to aim for a feeling of 1 to 2.
How to do the stretch
- Start with your arms at your side.
- Rotate your palms to face forward and allow your shoulders to roll back, lifting your chest slightly. Be careful not to collapse or arch your back.
- Then gently extend your fingers back behind. Gradually pointing your fingers backwards and if it feels Ok, maybe upwards. Remember to find a mild or gentle stretch.
- Stop the movement when you feel a stretch and reduce the amount you have moved your fingers until the stretch is about 1 to 2. Gently stay here for 1 to 2 breaths.
- To intensify the stretch, try gently pulling your armpits down towards your hips, but remember to stay with a gentle sensation. Less is more!
- To release, relax your fingers and hands and then slowly turn your palms back to face you. You can alternative this movement slowly with the other forearm stretch.
Stretching the forearms Part 2
