Is this a valid stretch?
I was in a group stretching thing at work led by a colleague (so no training or qualifications) and wasn’t sure about one of the stretches.
It started with us standing and pushing both arms up above our head (reach the sky) and from this position we lowered our arms to horizontally in front of us, pushing our arms forward.
Is this a good/safe stretch?
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The first part of your stretch sounds like Talasana, or the palm tree pose. I don't know of a name for the second stretch. I thought at first it sounded like a simple forearm stretch but I don't think that's the case.
A good rule of thumb is if it causes pain: stop. I agree with other comments here -- this stretch really shouldn't hurt. If you have poor mobility or flexibility it might cause a bit of discomfort but not pain.
It doesn't sound like a stretch, but rather just a simple movement. There isn't anything wrong with simple, mindful, gentle movement such as you are describing. That's what Tai Chi is, and might I say that Tai Chi has worked for quite few people. However, mindful movement shouldn't be confused with stretching. I would suggest that you ask this group leader what muscle is being stretched. If they are any good at what they do, then they should know enough anatomy that they can tell you exactly what muscle this is stretching. I would be very curious what their answer is.
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