Snow Shovel Stretch: Shoulders and Torso

Some areas of the US are getting dumped on by snow. That translates to lots of shoveling, which definitely helps burn calories and tones your muscles but can leave you with aches and pains too. I’ve already shown you how to stretch your lower back and hamstrings using a shovel, so here are some stretches to target your shoulders, upper back, front abs, and the sides of your torso. Here’s how to do the first stretch, which feels great on sore shoulders. Stand with your feet hip distance apart. Extend your arms out in front of your chest, holding the handle with one hand and the other end of the shovel with the other hand. Raise the shovel over your head and, as you gently arch back, lower the shovel behind you as much as you can. You should feel a

nice release in the chest, shoulders, and abs. After 30 seconds, bring the shovel to the front of your body and lower it to the ground. For another stretch that will target the sides of your body read more. Stand with your feet together. Extend your arms out in front of your chest, holding the handle with one hand and the other end of the shovel with your other hand. Raise the shovel up over your head and then arch to the side, lowering the bottom end of the shovel toward the ground. Try to keep equal weight in both feet, and gaze up toward the sky. After 30 seconds, raise the shovel over your head and switch sides, holding for another 30 seconds.

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Snow Shovel Stretch: Shoulders and Torso