Exercise library · Abs

How to Do Seated Overhead Stretch

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the seated overhead stretch.

How to do it

1. Sit up straight on an exercise mat.
2. Touch the soles of your feet together with your feet six to eight inches in front of your hips.
3. Place one hand on the floor beside you and your other hand behind your head.
4. Lift your elbow to the ceiling as you incline your torso to the other side. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

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Gear for this exercise

Exercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.