Behind Head Chest Stretch vs Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Pullover

Sit upright on the floor with your partner behind you.

Place your hands behind your hand, and push your elbows back as far as you can. Your partner should hold your elbows. This will be your starting position.

Gently attempt to pull your elbows forward with your hands still behind your head for 10 or more seconds. Your partner should prevent your elbows from moving.

Now, relax your muscles and have your partner gently pull the elbows back as far as it comfortable for you. Be sure to let your partner know when the stretch is adequate to prevent overstretching or injury.

Lie down on a decline bench with both legs securely locked in position. Reach for the barbell behind the head using a pronated grip (palms facing out). Make sure to grab the barbell wider than shoulder width apart for this exercise. Slowly lift the barbell up from the floor by using your arms.

When positioned properly, your arms should be fully extended and perpendicular to the floor. This is the starting position.

Begin by moving the barbell back down in a semicircular motion as if you were going to place it on the floor, but instead, stop when the arms are parallel to the floor. Tip: Keep the arms fully extended at all times. The movement should only happen at the shoulder joint. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.

Now bring the barbell up while exhaling until you are back at the starting position. Remember to keep full control of the barbell at all times.

Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions of your training program.

When finished with your set, slowly lower the barbell back down until it is level with your head and release it.