Lat and Side Stretch

A static stretch held after your workout, reaching one arm overhead and leaning to the side to lengthen the lats and obliques.

Stretching · Recommended Sets: Hold 30 seconds x 2 reps each side · Lats, Obliques

Lat and Side Stretch — Points to Check Today

  • Lean only sideways, don't bend forward — If the torso curls forward, only the lower back is pulled instead of the lats. (Hunching forward instead of leaning to the side)
  • Keep the pelvis fixed and lean only the torso — If the pelvis follows along, the side stretch weakens. (Letting the pelvis slide sideways so the form collapses)
  • Don't hold your breath — Exhaling as you stretch lets the muscle relax more smoothly. (Holding your breath and forcing a deeper lean)

Lat and Side Stretch — How to Do It / If You're New

  1. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart and reach one arm straight overhead.
  2. Slowly lean your torso to the opposite side so the side beneath the raised arm lengthens.
  3. Keep your pelvis facing forward and hold for 30 seconds where you feel the obliques and the side of the back (lats) lengthen.
  4. Slowly return to the start, then repeat the same way on the other side.