skip to main content

ES

Chest Exercises

Strengthen your chest and retain your range of motion in your upper torso with a few key moves.

Before attempting these exercises, please see below for tips on how to safely stretch and use resistance bands.

Chest-and-Arm Stretch

Chest and arms tight? Get a great stretch and improve posture with this chest-and-arm stretch exercise. Stretch slowly, just until you feel a gentle stretch in your muscles. Gradually increase the depth of the stretch over time.
 
Watch Now

Shoulder Blade Squeeze

Get a nice stretch in your back and open up your chest with the shoulder blade squeeze. Stretch slowly, just until you feel a gentle stretch in your muscles. Gradually increase the depth of the stretch over time.
 
Watch Now

Reverse Fly With Resistance Band

This reverse fly is a challenging but effective way to strengthen your upper back, shoulder and arm muscles. 

Watch Now

Row With Resistance Band

This row exercise with resistance band is an excellent way to strengthen your shoulders, chest and back and improve your posture.

Watch Now

Neck & Back Exercises

Maintain the strength and range of motion in your neck and back with proper stretching and resistance exercises.
Watch Now

YES Fitness Videos

Your Exercise Solution (YES) is your resource for fitness videos to help you create a physical activity routine — based on your specific needs and ability level — with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.
Learn More

Take the First Step to Get Moving

Before you customize a physical activity routine that’s just right for you, download the e-book: A Guide to Happy Feet. Learn ways to protect your feet, what to look for in shoe choices and more. It’s the first step to getting and staying active.


 

Tips to Safe and Successful Stretching:

  • Stretch just until you feel gentle pulling in your muscles, then hold the stretch.
  • The stretch shouldn’t be painful.
  • Stretch gently and smoothly. Do not bounce. 
  • Breathe naturally as you hold the stretch. Don’t hold your breath. 
  • Repeat stretches as needed, slowly increasing their depth over time. 

 

Tips to Safely and Successfully Use Resistance Bands:

  • Use a resistance band or tube with foam handles. They’re easier to grip.
  • Or add foam pipe insulation to bands or tubes to create handles.
  • Handles not an option? Opt for resistance tubes. They’re gentler on hands. 
  • Resistance tubes and bands come in many lengths and resistance levels. Don’t rely on their color to gauge these factors. Manufacturers use different colors to indicate them.
  • Try different ones to find the best fit.
  • The last few reps in a set should be difficult, but not impossible.