Seated Lean Back Open and Close on a Chair - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Seated Lean Back Open and Close on a Chair

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Seated Lean Back Open and Close on a Chair.

EasyFront shouldersMiddle chest

About this exercise

A seated mobility exercise performed on a chair where you lean back slightly and open the arms wide before closing them in front of the chest. The movement stretches the pectoral muscles and activates the shoulders, improving upper-body posture and thoracic mobility.

How to Perform

  • Sit upright near the edge of a sturdy chair with feet flat on the floor
  • Raise both arms in front of you at shoulder height with elbows slightly bent
  • Lean back slightly from the hips, creating a gentle arch in the upper back
  • Open your arms wide to the sides, squeezing the shoulder blades together
  • Hold the open position for a moment, feeling the stretch across the chest
  • Bring your arms back together in front of your chest
  • Return to the upright starting position
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Front shouldersMiddle chest
Secondary
CoreTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Seated Lean Back Open and Close on a Chair

The Seated Lean Back Open and Close on a Chair 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.