Stubborn Carpenter

Workshop gym, no. 23

Seated chest opener

Opens up a tight chest and rounded shoulders from bending over work all day. Sit tall and let your chest lift.

Press start when you’re ready

Pin it up in the shed: the moves, the beat and a tally board for your week, on one A4 page.

Download the A4 sheet (PDF)

How to do it

  1. Sit tall near the front of a sturdy chair, feet flat.
  2. Reach both hands behind you and link your fingers, or hold the sides of the seat behind you.
  3. Draw your shoulders back and down and let your chest lift.
  4. Hold for 15 seconds, looking straight ahead and breathing slowly.
  5. Relax your arms, then repeat.

Easier

Just hold the sides of the seat and lift your chest.

Harder

Gently lift your linked hands a little away from your back.

Shoulders

Only go as far as is comfortable. Any pinching, ease off.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, have had surgery, or feel dizzy, chest pain or breathlessness, stop and check with your GP before carrying on.