Cobra Stretch

Muscles worked: Abs & Core · Also: Inner Thighs & Hips, Legs, Glutes & Hips

Cobra Stretch is a gentle backbend done lying face down: you press through your hands to lift your chest while your hips stay on the floor, stretching the front of the body.

Lift only as high as feels comfortable, keep your elbows slightly soft, and avoid crunching your lower back — the lift comes from your upper back and arms, not from forcing the bend. Lower back down slowly.

How to do it

1. Lie face down with your hands under or just ahead of your shoulders and your legs extended behind you.
2. Press through your hands to lift your chest, keeping your hips on the floor.
3. Keep your elbows slightly soft and lift only as high as feels comfortable, without crunching your lower back.
4. Let the lift come from your upper back and arms, and hold the stretch while breathing normally.
5. Lower back down slowly.

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General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.