Standing Side Stretch with Stick
Feet together, a stick held overhead tilts with the trunk as it bends to one side; the top arm reaches up and the side from hip to hand lengthens.
How to do it
Setup
Standing tall, feet together, a stick held overhead in a wide grip, arms straight.
Steps
- Bend to one side, the lower arm drawing the stick down while the top arm reaches up.
- Stop where the side under the top arm stretches, and hold.
- Come up through the middle slowly and switch sides.
Common mistakes
Bending the elbows to go further: straight arms keep the lat in the stretch. Chest turning toward the floor: stay in one plane. Hips pushing far out: keep the feet together and the pelvis over them.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
