Rhomboid Squeeze & Pectoral Stretch
strengthenthoracic
A video demonstration is coming soon. Follow the step-by-step instructions below.
How to do it
- Sit or stand tall and squeeze the shoulder blades back and down (rhomboid contraction).
- Hold the retraction to stretch the pectorals across the front of the chest.
- Progress with prone rhomboid retraction: lie face down, arms abducted ~90 deg, lift arms and supinate so thumbs point up.
- For a passive stretch, rest supine over a bolster placed lengthwise along the spine and let the arms relax.
Form cues
- Draw blades down and together, not up toward the ears
- Lift the breastbone, keep the chin tucked
Dosage
10 reps, hold 5-10s, 2-3x/day
Muscles worked




Stretches: pectorals, anterior deltoid
Strengthens: middle/lower trapezius, rhomboids
Target muscles
Helps with
Related exercises
Reference: Postural Correction (Johnson) p.81-83