Standing Lateral Side Stretch
Description
This exercise involves standing upright and reaching one arm over the head to the opposite side, stretching the side of the body. It helps to improve flexibility and mobility in the torso and can also relieve tension in the shoulders and neck.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Instructions
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Take a deep breath in and raise your left arm straight up overhead.
- Exhale and bend your torso to the right, sliding your right hand down your right leg.
- Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds, feeling the stretch along the left side of your body.
- Inhale and slowly return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the other side by raising your right arm and bending to the left.
- Complete 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions on each side.
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Form & Visual
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Benefits
- Stretches the muscles in the sides of the torso, including the obliques and intercostal muscles
- Improves flexibility and range of motion in the spine
- Relieves tension in the shoulders and neck
- Can help alleviate lower back pain
- Increases circulation and oxygen flow to the muscles
- Can be done anywhere without any equipment
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Muscles Worked
- Obliques
- Latissimus dorsi
- Quadratus lumborum
- Gluteus medius
- Tensor fasciae latae
Standing Lateral Side Stretch Variations & Alternatives
- Seated Lateral Side Stretch
- Standing Forward Fold
- Seated Forward Fold
- Standing Cat-Cow Stretch
- Seated Cat-Cow Stretch
- Standing Quadriceps Stretch
- Seated Quadriceps Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Seated Hamstring Stretch
