Stretches Before Exercise

Tricep Stretch

Stretches before exercise for seniors and the elderly are vital in any older adult program. A good warm up will prepare your body for exercise by increasing your circulation and helping the delivery of oxygen to muscles and the brain.

It will increase your body temperature which makes your muscles more elastic and supportive of elongation.

Below are some excellent stretches before exercise for the upper body like the triceps stretch. Try some of these stretches during or after your exercise session.

Purpose of this exercise

Stretches the shoulder and triceps. Improves the mobility of your upper arm and shoulder.

Step 1

Sit in a chair while extending your left arm with your palm up.

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Step 2

Bring your left arm overhead and pat yourself on the back. For doing a great job of course!

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Step 3

Bring your right hand to your left elbow. Gently press the elbow back until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat with the other arm.

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Breathing

Breathe normally during the stretch, in through the nose and out through the mouth.

Tips

Keep your back straight during the exercise. Tuck your chin, as if to make a “double chin”. Tighten your stomach muscles.

Take it up a notch

While holding your left elbow with your right hand in step 3, increase the stretch by simultaneously raising your right elbow.

How to do Triceps Stretch

How to do Triceps Stretch

More Upper Body Flexibility Exercises

1. Shoulder And Upper Back Stretch

2. Shoulder Rolls

3. Neck Side Stretch

4.Neck Rotation

5. Shoulder Circles

6. Shoulder Stretch

7. Chest Stretch

8. Overhead Reach

9. Reach Back

10. Triceps Stretch

11. Hand Stretch

12. Arm Raises

Resources Family Caregivers https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-CaregiverBrochure.pdf