Say ‘So Long’ to Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most common ailments I hear from my clients. Although there is more than one factor that causes this, a major culprit is our desk jobs. When we hunch over our computers all day, we create tension and tightness in our shoulders, causing pain. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to ditch the desk entirely. The good news is, there are so many ways to open up your shoulders without even leaving your seat!
One of my favorite moves, shown in my new book Chair Yoga, is Eagle Arms. This pose helps to focus the mind, and open our shoulders, upper back, elbows, and wrists. To start, sit tall with your feet hip-width apart and firmly on the floor, hips toward the edge of the chair, and your back straight. Take your arms out to the sides at shoulder height, palms open to the ceiling.
Next, wrap the left arm under the right arm as high as you can, then double cross your forearms and try to press the palms together. If you can’t touch your palms, press the backs of the hands instead. Work on lifting your elbows while softening your shoulders. Hold for 5 to 8 breaths before releasing your arms and repeating with the opposite arm crossing.
You can find variations to deepen this pose, as well as many more moves to loosen your shoulders, arms, and wrists in Chair Yoga, available on Amazon. By committing these moves into your daily routine, your shoulders will be more relaxed, your body will feel more aligned, and your heart will be happier. Enjoy!
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!