Seated Overhead Stretch

Also called seated side bend stretch and seated lateral stretch.

Works

Abs

Equipment

Bodyweight

Level

Beginner

Type

Isolation

How to do it

Setup. Sit up straight on an exercise mat.

1. Touch the soles of your feet together with your feet six to eight inches in front of your hips.
2. Place one hand on the floor beside you and your other hand behind your head.
3. Lift your elbow to the ceiling as you incline your torso to the other side. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

Cues

• Soles together, feet in front.
• One hand down, one behind the head.
• Lift the elbow, lean away.
• Hold 20 seconds each side.

Common mistakes

• Collapsing forward.
• Hips lifting off the floor.

Where to start

A starting point, not a law. Pick a weight you could lift two or three more times than the top of the range. When every set hits the top of the range, add a little weight.

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