I’ve had stiff shoulders for as long as I can remember, and spending my weekdays hunched over my laptop probably exacerbated the problem. It feels like there is no solution, but stretching and mobility work always provides some relief.
So when I discovered yoga instructor Emily Mu’s simple five-minute routine, I knew I had to give it a try.
This routine is designed to improve your posture and loosen up your back and shoulders, all areas of concern for me.
How to do Emily Muu’s shoulder mobility routine
No equipment is required for this routine, but I used a yoga mat as a support for my knees.
This routine consists of five exercises, each performed for one minute.
My experience doing Emily Muu’s shoulder mobility routine
Some of the stretches are familiar to me, but the variations Mouu added helped relieve tension in my shoulders.
Threading a needle is one of my favorite stretches to strengthen my chest and shoulder muscles, and it felt so good after a day at my desk. The increased side reach also helped stretch my upper back, another point where I maintain tension.
The scorpion flip that moves the hips and shoulders was fun. I felt the tension in my upper body immediately ease.
The final exercise, a forward bend with arms behind your back and hands clasped over your head, was also satisfying. By breathing through this stretch, I was able to deeply stretch my shoulders and relax both mentally and physically.
I definitely recommend this routine to anyone who has stiff shoulders like I do. It’s easy to forget what a difference just 5 minutes of stretching can make. After this session, I returned to my desk feeling lighter and more relaxed. I’m looking forward to incorporating it into my routine more regularly.