To relieve tension, raise your hands

You can relieve stiffness and tension in your shoulders with one simple move. Do this exercise between sets of your upper body workout or afterward -- or at home and at work when your shoulders feel tense.

For best results, don’t rush and remember to breathe fully.

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1 Sit or stand upright. Cross one wrist over the other and press the palms of your hands close together with your thumbs pointed down. Inhale, then straighten your arms in front of your chest. Exhale and pull your shoulders back into their sockets, moving the tops of your shoulders down away from your ears. Lift your chest as you feel the stretch in the backs of your shoulders. Hold this position for three or four breaths.

2 Slowly raise your arms above your head. At the point where you cannot lift them any higher, you can slightly bend your elbows. Keep lifting your arms until your elbows are behind your ears. Pause in this position for three or four breaths. Release your arms, then repeat by crossing the other wrist on top.

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-- Karen Voight