Standing Lateral Stretch
A standing side-bending stretch to target the obliques and lengthen the muscles along the side of the torso.
Secondary muscles
How to do it
- Stand upright, feet hip-width apart.
- Raise one arm overhead, keeping it straight.
- Place other hand on hip or let it hang at side.
- Gently lean to the opposite side, keeping hips square.
- Hold, then return to center and repeat on the other side.
Form cues
- Reach tall, then over
- Keep both feet grounded
- Hips facing forward
- Breathe into stretch
Common mistakes
- Rotating torso
- Bending forward or backwards
- Not keeping arm straight
Breathing
Inhale to lengthen, exhale as you lean into the stretch.
