Video: “Standing Side Stretch” by Bearsden Osteopaths on YouTube. Plays in YouTube's privacy-enhanced mode.
How to do it
A gentle stretch for the sides of your body, from your hips to your fingertips. Hold each side for the time shown.
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your stomach gently braced.
- Reach your right arm straight up towards the ceiling and rest your left hand on your hip or thigh.
- Breathe in to lengthen your spine, then breathe out as you lean your upper body gently to the left.
- Keep your chest facing forward and feel the stretch along your right side. Hold, then return slowly to the centre.
- Repeat on the other side.
Tips and safety
- Lean only as far as feels comfortable; you should feel a stretch, not pain.
- If you feel pinching in your lower back, reduce how far you lean.
Move within a comfortable range and stop if you feel pain. If you have an injury or health condition, check with a qualified professional first.
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