Muscles

Pectoralis Minor

Exercises that target the pectoralis minor, grouped by whether they stretch or strengthen it.

Content last reviewed: 2026-07-18

The pectoralis minor is a small muscle beneath the pec major, running from the upper ribs to the front of the shoulder blade (the coracoid process). Despite its size it has an outsized effect on posture: it tilts the shoulder blade forward and down.

When it is tight it anteriorly tilts and protracts the shoulder blade — a direct driver of rounded shoulders — and can crowd the space where nerves and vessels pass beneath it. It is a high-value stretch target for anyone with a hunched upper body.

It responds to specific pec-minor stretches (corner or supine release) combined with strengthening the lower trapezius and serratus anterior so the shoulder blade sits flat. See the chest and shoulder exercises.

Pectoralis Minor — anatomical illustration
Anatomical illustration derived from BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science, licensed under CC BY-SA.

Stretch the pectoralis minor