Standing Lateral Side Stretch
Description
The standing lateral side stretch is a simple flexibility drill performed standing tall, reaching one arm overhead, and bending sideways at the waist. It opens the obliques, intercostals, lats, and quadratus lumborum on the stretched side. It is one of the simplest stretches to do anywhere throughout the day.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Instructions
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides.
- Reach your right arm straight up overhead.
- Slowly bend your torso to the left, reaching your right arm up and over to the left.
- Keep your hips squared forward — do not push them out to the right.
- Feel the stretch through your right side body, obliques, and lats.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Breathe deeply.
- Slowly return to upright. Switch sides and repeat.
- Avoid leaning forward or backward — the stretch is purely lateral.
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Form & Visual
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Benefits
- Opens the obliques, intercostals, and lats
- Improves lateral spinal flexibility
- Quick and accessible — works anywhere
- Counteracts forward-hunched posture
- No equipment needed
- Excellent between-sets stretch
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Muscles Worked
- Obliques
- Latissimus dorsi
- Quadratus lumborum
- Intercostals
- Erector spinae
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Variations & Alternatives
- Standing Side Stretch
- Standing Side Bend
- Side-to-Side Toe Touch
- Reaching-Up Shoulder Stretch
- Banana Pose (yoga lying side stretch)
