Author:
Tamara Smith
Date Of Creation:
22 January 2021
Update Date:
29 June 2024
Content
Stretching often overlooks the abs. Stretching your abs is good for your posture and general flexibility. Try doing static stretches, such as cobra, cat, and cow pose. You can also do dynamic stretching exercises such as the bridge for your glutes and side bending. If you have an exercise ball, do exercises that fully extend your body to stretch your abs. To avoid injury, do a warm-up before stretching, just keep breathing all the time and make sure you don't stretch the same muscle group intensively for two days in a row.
To step
Method 1 of 3: Do static stretches
Do a standing stretch. Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart. Extend your arms above your head as far as possible. Sit back and bend your spine to open your stomach and chest. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat two to four times. - Make sure you don't lose your balance when leaning back.
Try not to bounce while stretching. Hold a rack stably instead of bouncing in and out. Springs when you stretch can lead to a muscle strain or other injury. 
Just breathe as you stretch. Never hold your breath while stretching or doing any other exercise. Inhale as you move in a stretch position, exhale as you stretch, then inhale again as you return to your starting position. 
Stretch a muscle group for a few minutes, two to three times a week. Extensive stretching of the same muscle group every day poses a risk of injury. Instead, you stretch a different muscle group every day. Aim to stretch specific muscles for two to three minutes, two to three days a week. Tip: you can stretch your abs one day, your legs the next and work your chest, neck and shoulders the next day.
Stretch out regularly at work. Sitting in a chair and making repetitive movements for a long time is hard on your body. You may not be able to do cobra, cat, or cow poses in the office, but you can bend sideways at work during a stretch break. - Since you probably won't have a chance to warm up, take it easy when you start stretching at work.
If you have an injury, see your doctor. Many people assume that stretching is good if you are in pain or if you have a pulled muscle. However, stretching a damaged muscle can cause further damage. - You should also consult your doctor before stretching or exercising if you have an injury or a history of heart, bone, or joint problems.
