Doorway Chest Stretch - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Doorway Chest Stretch

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Doorway Chest Stretch.

EasyFront shouldersUpper chest

About this exercise

The Bent Arm Chest Stretch uses a wall or doorframe to stretch one side of the chest and front shoulder at a time. With the elbow bent to 90 degrees and placed against the wall, rotating away from the arm creates a strong pectoral stretch.

How to Perform

  • Stand beside a wall or in a doorway and raise one arm to shoulder height with the elbow bent to 90 degrees
  • Place your forearm and palm flat against the wall or doorframe
  • Step through the doorway or rotate your torso away from the wall until you feel a stretch across the chest and front shoulder
  • Keep your shoulder blades down and back; do not let the shoulder shrug upward
  • Hold the stretch, breathing steadily, then release and repeat on the opposite side

Muscle Activation

Primary
Front shouldersUpper chestMiddle chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Doorway Chest Stretch

The Doorway Chest Stretch is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.