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Overhead Stretch

Overhead Stretch is a beginner compound bodyweight stretching that mainly works your abs, with help from your chest, forearms, lats and triceps.

💪 Abs🏋️ Bodyweight📈 Beginner🔗 Compound🎯 2-3 holds of 20-30 seconds per side
Overhead Stretch: starting position
Starting position
Overhead Stretch: end position
End position

How to do the overhead stretch

  1. Standing straight up, lace your fingers together and open your palms to the ceiling. Keep your shoulders down as you extend your arms up.
  2. To create a full torso stretch, pull your tailbone down and stabilize your torso as you do this. Stretch the muscles on both the front and the back of the torso.

Muscles worked

Primary: AbsSecondary: ChestSecondary: ForearmsSecondary: LatsSecondary: Triceps

Sets and reps

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, 2-3 times per side. Stretch after training or on rest days.

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Overhead Stretch alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Scissor KickBodyweight · BeginnerTorso RotationOther · BeginnerStomach VacuumBodyweight · BeginnerToe TouchersBodyweight · BeginnerLower Back CurlBodyweight · BeginnerSeated Overhead StretchBodyweight · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the overhead stretch work?

It mainly works your abs; your chest, forearms, lats and triceps assist.

How many sets and reps of overhead stretch should I do?

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, 2-3 times per side. Stretch after training or on rest days.

Is the overhead stretch good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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