Standing Lateral Stretch
One hand behind the head with the elbow high, bend the trunk away from it while the other hand slides down the leg; the raised side stretches from the armpit to the hip.
How to do it
Setup
Standing tall, feet hip-width, one hand behind the head with the elbow up, the other arm at the side.
Steps
- Bend sideways away from the raised elbow, the free hand sliding down the thigh.
- Keep the hips level and the chest facing forward.
- Hold and breathe, then switch sides.
Common mistakes
Hips pushing out to the side: keep them over the feet; only the trunk bends. Twisting the chest toward the floor: stay in one flat plane. Elbow dropping forward: keep it high and back so the side opens.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
