Try This Chest Opener Stretch to Help Your Tech Neck!
Try this stretch for Tech Neck to open up your chest area and help counter your rounded shoulders. A lot of the rounded shoulders are due to Tech Neck – the way our body comes out of alignment because of the consistent use of technology. Looking down to use our phones, or sitting at a computer all day both contribute to Tech Neck.
This stretch can be done using a resistance band or even a scarf, as long as it is long enough to grab comfortably from both sides. Make sure the strap falls as evenly as possible when wrapping it around you (i.e. the parts of the strap that you’ll grab should be similar/the same in length).
How to Do the Stretch for Tech Neck
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to do this stretch. Be sure to watch the video below for a visual demo!
- Position the band – Place the resistance band or strap across your mid-chest (roughly nipple/mid-thoracic level).
- Create a rucksack effect – Throw the ends of the band over each shoulder so they hook around your shoulders, like a backpack strap on each side.
- Ensure enough length – Make sure the band is long enough that you can reach behind your back and pull down on both ends.
- Pull down and back – Grab the straps behind you and pull down on both sides. This will draw your shoulders back and open up the chest.
- Hold and breathe – Stay in this position and breathe deeply. Focus on opening up the top of your lungs and upper rib cage.
- Release slowly – Let the tension go gently and notice the release.
This stretch is easy to try at home and can help with a range of issues, including poor posture, rounded shoulders, and tightness and tension in the shoulders and chest.
If you’re looking for more than just a stretch for Tech Neck, check out our TikTok and Instagram for even more handy exercises. To try April’s Stretch of the Month, check out last month’s blog.
