Open Book Stretch
Description
This exercise involves lying on your back with an open book held above your chest, then slowly lowering the book to the ground while keeping your arms straight. It helps to improve shoulder mobility and stability.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Open Book Stretch Instructions
- Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
- Place your hands behind your hips, fingers pointing towards your feet.
- Slowly lean back, keeping your hands in place to support your weight.
- As you lean back, lift your legs off the ground and bring them towards your chest.
- Hold this position for a few seconds, feeling the stretch in your lower back and hamstrings.
- Slowly release and return to the starting position with your legs extended in front of you.
- Repeat for several repetitions, gradually increasing the duration of the hold.
Open Book Stretch Form & Visual
Open Book Stretch Benefits
- Improves posture by stretching the chest and shoulders
- Increases flexibility in the spine and hips
- Relieves tension in the lower back
- Stretches the hip flexors and quadriceps
- Can help alleviate neck and shoulder pain
Open Book Stretch Muscles Worked
- External obliques
- Rectus abdominis
- Transverse abdominis
- Erector spinae
- Trapezius
- Rhomboids
- Deltoids
Open Book Stretch Variations & Alternatives
- Seated Open Book Stretch
- Standing Open Book Stretch
- Kneeling Open Book Stretch
- Partner Open Book Stretch
- Modified Open Book Stretch with Resistance Band
