Standing Lateral Stretch

Also called standing side stretch, side bend stretch and lat side stretch.

Works

Abs

Equipment

Bodyweight

Level

Beginner

Type

Isolation

How to do it

Setup. Take a slightly wider than hip distance stance with your knees slightly bent.

1. Place your right hand on your right hip to support the spine.
2. Raise your left arm in a vertical line and place your left hand behind your head. Keep it there as you incline your torso to the right.
3. Keep your weight evenly distributed between both legs (don't lean into your left hip). Switch sides.

Cues

• Wide stance, knees soft.
• Hand behind the head.
• Lean sideways, don't twist.
• Hold 30 seconds each side.

Common mistakes

• Rotating the torso.
• Leaning forward.

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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