Standing Side Stretch
Description
The standing side stretch is a simple flexibility drill performed by standing tall, reaching one arm overhead, and bending sideways at the waist. It opens the obliques, intercostals, lats, and side body. It is one of the most accessible stretches for the upper body and works anywhere.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Standing Side Stretch Instructions
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Arms at your sides.
- Reach your right arm straight up overhead.
- Bend your torso to the left, reaching your right arm up and over.
- 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 Side Stretch Form & Visual
Standing Side Stretch Benefits
- Opens the side body, obliques, and lats
- Improves lateral spinal flexibility
- Quick and accessible
- Counteracts forward-hunched posture
- No equipment needed
- Excellent between-sets stretch
Standing Side Stretch Muscles Worked
- Obliques
- Latissimus dorsi
- Quadratus lumborum
- Intercostals
- Erector spinae
