Standing lateral stretch

Category

Stretching

Difficulty

Beginner

Equipment

Bodyweight

Primary muscles

Obliques

Secondary muscles

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

How to do it

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed by your sides. Engage your core and maintain an upright posture.
2. Place your right hand behind your head. Keep your left hand extended down the side of your leg.
3. Gently bend your torso to the left as far as possible and hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, feeling a stretch along the right side of your torso.
4. Return to the starting position and repeat the stretch on the other side.

Form tips

• Perform the stretch slowly and with control to maximize muscle flexibility and reduce injury risk.
• Gradually increase the depth of the stretch as your flexibility improves.
• Focus on keeping your back straight and avoiding excessive rounding of your spine.