• Incorporating stretching exercises into your workout will improve upper back flexibility.stretching image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Stretching exercises are necessary to increase flexibility in the upper back. Stretching at intervals during the day, as well as after your regular workout, will help increase your flexibility and range of motion. According to Bodybuilding.com, stretching exercises should be performed with no bouncing and held in position for approximately 30 seconds.
  
  

Cat Stretch

• The cat stretch exercise is a good way to improve flexibility in the middle to upper portion of the back. Perform this exercise in a slow and controlled manner, holding the stretch at the top of the move for 30 seconds. Begin the cat stretch by placing an exercise mat on the floor and kneel down on all fours. Slowly curl your back up, toward the ceiling. Hold for 30 seconds and slowly roll back down to the starting position. Each time you curl your back up, pull in your abdominal muscles toward your back. Complete three sets of 10 repetitions of this move for optimal benefits.
  
  

Lat Stretch

• The lat stretch is a good upper back flexibility move. To perform this exercise, you need access to a high bar. Begin the lat stretch by standing directly under a high bar. Reach up and grasp the bar and lift your body off the floor. During this move, your palms should face out or away from you in a classic pull-up position. When you lower your body back down, hang from the bar for 30 seconds. Change it up by using only one hand during the exercise. When you lower your body back to the floor, you can let go and hang with one arm. Alternate arms to receive a balanced back stretch. Complete three sets of 10 repetitions.
  
  

Upper Back Stretch

• The upper back stretch relieves the tension in the upper back and increases back flexibility. Perform this exercise by placing a mat on the floor and getting on the floor on all fours. Lean down and stretch both arms over your head and leave them in contact with the mat. Your forehead will be touching the mat at this time. Really lean into the stretch and do not bounce. Hold this move for a count of 30 and slowly return to your starting position. Complete three sets of 10 repetitions.