Having a strong chest is good, but having a tight chest is not. A lot of people have a tight front body and a weak back body. This bad combination results in the body collapsing in on itself. Do not allow this to happen! When the body collapses in on itself, you put your nervous system in fight-or-flight. Keep the front body open.

Begin an arm’s length away from the tree, with the side body facing the trunk. Plant the inside-hand on the tree, with the arm angled up 45 degrees. This angle provides the best stretch for the chest because it is the way the muscle fibers run in that area. Keep the hand planted on the tree as you gently turn away from the trunk. Maintain strong posture and take several deep breaths. Practice on both sides.