Lateral-muscle stretch - Stretch Of The Month

Men's Fitness, Dec, 2002

WHILE THIS MAY SOUND counterintuitive, you should consider adding a side-body stretch to your workouts if you're looking to improve your range of motion in a number of exercises. To stretch those muscles that run from under your arms to your hips (the latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior and external obliques), try the following:

* With your feet spaced shoulder-width apart and pointed straight ahead, slightly flex your knees.

* Extend both arms overhead, grip your right hand with your left, and gently bend at the waist down toward your left side.

* Use your left hand to ease into a deeper stretch.

* Hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds, then ease back to an upright position.

* Repeat on the other side.