4 Upper Body Stretching Exercises for Children JAN

One important activity for helping keep your child’s muscles strong is stretching. Here are four upper body stretching exercises that your child can do safely before or after their next workout.

Cow-Cat Stretch

Get down on all fours while facing down and making sure your back is flat. Inhale, drop the belly to the floor, and lift your head. Exhale and arch your back up all the way while looking at your belly. Do this movement 5 - 10 times.

Outstretched Arms

Hold your arms straight out to your sides and hold them here. Squeeze your arms back, rotate from thumbs down to thumbs up, and hold. Repeat 5 - 10 times.

Overhead Arm Stretch

While standing straight, raise your arms over your head with feet together and hold. This one might seem simple, but it’s effective!

Tricep Stretch

Rais your right arm over your head and bend your elbow. Situate your palm on the back of your neck, grab your elbow with your left hand and pull gently. Hold for 10 - 20 seconds and do the same with your other arm.

Shoulder Stretch

Stretch your right arm in front of you, bend the left arm and place your wrist slightly above your right elbow. With your left arm, push your right arm gently across your body and hold for 10 - 20 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

Knowing upper-body stretching exercises is essential for children of all ages when exercising. If you’re looking for exercise programs designed for children, call Stretch-n-Grow in Winston-Salem, NC, at (336) 287-1193 for information on their excellent programs.