Overhead Stretch

Overhead Stretch is a flexibility - front and back of the torso exercise involving Abdominals. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.

Last updated: 2026-10-31 · DynPerformance

Primary muscles: Abdominals
Secondary muscles: Pectoralis major, Forearm muscles, Latissimus dorsi, Triceps brachii
Exercise type: Flexibility - front and back of the torso

Exercise technique

Stance
Stand tall with your feet comfortably apart for balance.
Hands
Interlace your fingers above your head.
Palms
Turn your palms toward the ceiling with your wrists in a comfortable position.
Reach
Extend your arms upward and lengthen both sides of your torso.
Pelvis
Direct your tailbone downward and control your lower ribs.
Hold
Keep your neck comfortable and breathe without forcing your shoulders downward.
Exit
Release your fingers and slowly lower your arms to your sides.

Key technique points

Keep your heels on the floor as you reach up.
Do not overarch your lower back.
Expand your ribs with your breath.
Rotate your wrists without straining them.
Do not lean your torso sideways.
Allow comfortable shoulder movement.

Common mistakes

Increasing the lower-back arch

Do not reach by thrusting your ribs forward.

Compressing the neck

Do not force your shoulders toward your ears.

Straining the wrist

Do not exceed your joint range to turn your palms toward the ceiling.

Rising onto the toes

Do not add height through the ankles instead of stretching your torso.

Drifting sideways

Do not tilt your whole torso to gain range on one side.

Holding the breath

Do not maintain the lengthened torso position by stopping your breathing.

Frequently asked questions