Standing Lateral Stretch
Standing Lateral Stretch is a flexibility - obliques and lateral torso exercise involving Abdominals. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.
Last updated: · DynPerformance
- Primary muscles
- Abdominals
- Secondary muscles
- Latissimus dorsi, Quadratus lumborum, Intercostal muscles
- Exercise type
- Flexibility - obliques and lateral torso
Exercise technique
- Feet
Stand slightly wider than hip width and soften your knees.
- Support
Rest your right hand lightly on your right hip.
- Upper arm
Raise your left arm and place your hand behind your head.
- Reach
Direct your left elbow upward.
- Side bend
Bend your torso to the right under control.
- Weight
Maintain equal pressure through both feet without shifting your left hip sideways.
- Switch
Slowly return to center and reverse your hand positions.
Key technique points
- Load both feet equally.
- Do not push your pelvis sideways.
- Do not pull your head with your hand.
- Keep your chest facing forward.
- Keep your upper elbow open.
- Breathe into the sides of your ribs.
Common mistakes
Shifting the hips sideways
Do not drag your pelvis to the left instead of stretching.
Folding forward
Do not change the side bend by turning your chest toward the floor.
Pulling on the neck
Do not press the back of your neck with the hand behind your head.
Loading one foot
Do not unload the opposite foot during the side bend.
Compressing the lower back
Do not force yourself beyond a comfortable lateral range.
Straightening quickly
Do not swing your torso back to center with momentum.
Frequently asked questions
Standing Lateral Stretch: why is “Shifting the hips sideways” a mistake?
Do not drag your pelvis to the left instead of stretching.
Standing Lateral Stretch: why is “Folding forward” a mistake?
Do not change the side bend by turning your chest toward the floor.
Standing Lateral Stretch: why is “Pulling on the neck” a mistake?
Do not press the back of your neck with the hand behind your head.
Standing Lateral Stretch: why is “Loading one foot” a mistake?
Do not unload the opposite foot during the side bend.
Standing Lateral Stretch: why is “Compressing the lower back” a mistake?
Do not force yourself beyond a comfortable lateral range.
Standing Lateral Stretch: why is “Straightening quickly” a mistake?
Do not swing your torso back to center with momentum.
What should I focus on when doing Standing Lateral Stretch?
Load both feet equally. Do not push your pelvis sideways. Do not pull your head with your hand. Keep your chest facing forward. Keep your upper elbow open. Breathe into the sides of your ribs.
Related exercises
- Medicine Ball Full Twist
- Overhead Stretch
- Scissor Kick
- Seated Overhead Stretch
- Sledgehammer Swings
- Exercise Guide
Add this exercise to your program with your coach
If you have a health condition, consult a qualified professional.