Standing Lateral 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 Stretch Instructions
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Extend your right arm straight up towards the ceiling, keeping your left arm at your side.
- Slowly bend your upper body to the left, keeping your right arm extended overhead.
- Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds, feeling the stretch along the right side of your body.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side, extending your left arm up towards the ceiling and bending to the right.
- Repeat the stretch on each side 2-3 times.
Standing Lateral Stretch Form & Visual
Standing Lateral Stretch Benefits
- Stretches the muscles in the sides of the torso, including the obliques and intercostals
- Improves flexibility and range of motion in the spine
- Helps to relieve tension and tightness in the shoulders and neck
- Can improve posture and alignment
- May help to reduce the risk of injury during physical activity by increasing flexibility and mobility
Standing Lateral Stretch Muscles Worked
- Obliques
- Latissimus dorsi
- Trapezius
- Rhomboids
- Erector spinae
Standing Lateral Stretch Variations & Alternatives
- Seated Lateral Stretch
- Standing Forward Bend
- Seated Forward Bend
- Standing Cat-Cow Stretch
- Seated Cat-Cow Stretch
- Standing Spinal Twist
- Seated Spinal Twist
- Standing Quadriceps Stretch
- Seated Quadriceps Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Seated Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Calf Stretch
- Seated Calf Stretch
