Stretch It: Triceps and Shoulder Pull

If you've been doing a lot of upper body strengthening exercises or swimming, you're bound to have tight shoulders and triceps. Here's a stretch that will target them both and will also lengthen the sides of your torso as well.

• Stand with your feet hips-width distance apart, keeping equal weight in both feet. Bend your left elbow, and place your right hand on it to gently push it deeper into position. Try to get your head in front of your left arm.
• Reach your left fingers down towards your right shoulder, and to hold onto the outer side of your right triceps by your armpit.
• Now lower your right arm out to the side, which will gently pull your left elbow slightly to the right, so you'll feel a deeper stretch in your shoulder and triceps. If it feels OK, you can lower your right arm even further, deepening the stretch in the left side of your body.
• Stay here for 30 seconds or more. Then slowly release and do some circles with your arms. When you're ready, do this stretch on the other side.

Try it and tell me what you think.