If there’s one reason I love to be a champion of stretching, it’s because so much of what helps our muscles is simple, can be performed by anyone at anytime, and renders instant results. Shoulder circles are a classic example of this. We often take them for granted as they’re typically “only” part of a warm-up. Yet, they are a remarkable tool all by themselves.
Try this out for size, right now: Sit tall (or better yet, take a moment to stand up — and stand tall), take a deep breath, and as you inhale, create a nice, large circle with your shoulders. Relax. Then repeat: Inhale deeply, making a large shoulder circle, then relax your neck and shoulders (and pause). Do this another 4-8 times, each time making your circle large, slow, and smooth, your breath deep, and then release all neck and shoulder tension at the end of each circle.
Feel better? If so, there are numerous physiological reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the movement of the shoulders will help to momentarily activate, then release, muscle tension in the shoulders, upper back and neck. Many of us hold onto tension in this area when we’re under stress. The other reason is the deep breath; not only does a deep inhale help to bring more oxygen into the body, it helps further stretch and expand the air sacks in the lungs, which have receptor nerves that then send a signal to the brain, resulting in calming you down. Finally, if your shoulder circles follow a “from front to back” path, you’ll mometarily put your body closer to a neutral alignment, which takes pressure off the low back and chest, and allows you to breathe more easily.
All of that from a “measly” shoulder circle! Given this day and age of remedies that are either complicated, expensive, or time-consuming, it’s nice when we can turn to a truly effective “quick fix” for ourselves — and at no cost!
The Flexibility Coach 