Description of Exercise
-In order to stretch the main muscles along the side of your back, start by getting down on your hands and knees.
-Reach forward and across to the right side of your body with the left hand on top of the right hand.
-Gently sit back on your feet until you feel a stretch along the side of your back.
-Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat twice.
-Repeat the stretch on the left side of your body.

Importance
The latissimus muscle is the large muscle along the side of your body. If the muscle is tight, you will have difficulty elevating over your head to its fullest potential. Maintaining a full range of motion of the shoulders are critical during swimming. This is a gentle stretch to improve upon flexibility and improve upon swimming technique.

Precautions
If you have a history of front shoulder pain, this pain can sometimes be avoided by turning your arm so that your thumb is facing up to avoid “pinching” of the structures at the front of your shoulder.

Recommended Repetitions & Progression
2 x 30 sec

Handout
Latissimus Dorsi Stretch

Needed Equipment
None

Difficulty of Exercise
Beginner