Rhomboids - Stretch Of The Month

THEY MAY NOT have the celebrity of the big-name muscles such as the pythons, the pecs and the tree trunks, but don't overlook the importance of the rhomboids. Located between your shoulder blades, they're actually two muscles: a smaller one hunched just above a larger one. When you do shoulder shrugs, the rhomboids are important in the initial raising action. Weak rhomboids can give you poor posture if overtaken by stronger chest muscles pulling the body forward.

To help keep your rhomboids loose and injury-free, perform the following stretch:

* Clasp your hands in front of you, extending your arms at shoulder level.

* Push out with your hands and arms as far as you can. Feel your shoulder blades spread out.

* Hold this position for 15 to 20 seconds, then relax.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group