SEATED OVERHEAD STRETCH

Stretching promotes recovery after your workouts as well as assisting to ease joint pain and muscle aches that result from activities of daily living and improving your overall joint mobility, muscular flexibility, coordination, and circulation. This stretch, the Seated Overhead Stretch, is an ideal stretch to target the muscles associated with your core and waist.

Skill Level: Beginner

Training: Static Stretching

Type: Isolation

Force: Pull

Equipment: Exercise Mat (Optional)

1° Muscles: Seratus Anterior, Abdominals, Obliques, Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae

SET-UP

Sit up straight on the ground.
Bend both legs so that the soles of your feet touch each other.
Place your right hand on the floor beside you for support.

EXECUTION

Place left your arm over your head so that your left fingers touch the right side of your head.
Lift your left elbow to the ceiling bending your entire torso to the right until a mild stretch can be felt in your left of your torso.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Switch and repeat for the right side.
Repeat 2-5 times.

Your hips should remain stationary throughout the entire stretch.
Avoid flexing your neck; lateral movement should only occur through your thoracic and lumbar spine (middle and lower back respectively).