Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Free Tools
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog
Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in

Standing Side Stretch

-
Standing Side Stretch gif

About

This stretch relaxes your body by loosening your sides and lower back. Great if you sit a lot or feel stiff.

Coach's Tips

Reach up and stretch your side.

More

How to Standing Side Stretch

Starting Position

Stand or sit and raise both hands above your head to grab the opposite elbow.

Proper Form

1. Keep your back straight and slowly lean your upper body to one side.

2. Go down as far as you can and feel the stretch in your side.

3. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then slowly return to the center.

Breathing Technique

Exhale when leaning to the side, and breathe naturally while holding the position.

Precautions

Do not bend your upper body forward; lean only to the side. Do not bend your waist and keep your spine straight. Do not lean too deeply; only go to the point where you feel a stretch.

From the Community

Share your experience, ask questions, and get tips from other athletes.

Standing Side Stretch Community

Join the Community →

Standing Side Stretch Related Reading

  • Spot reduction is (mostly) a myth — but one 2023 RCT found a small trunk-fat edge
    Myths Busted

    Spot reduction is (mostly) a myth — but one 2023 RCT found a small trunk-fat edge

    Crunches won't melt belly fat on their own. Here's what two RCTs actually found — and what that means for how you train.

  • Sets per workout is the only training variable that reliably predicts muscle growth.
    Numbers Don't Lie

    Sets per workout is the only training variable that reliably predicts muscle growth.

    Wondering how many sets per workout you actually need? The answer is simpler than you think — according to a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies.

  • Is body recomposition real? You can lose fat and build muscle at once — here's what drives it
    What Actually Matters

    Is body recomposition real? You can lose fat and build muscle at once — here's what drives it

    Lose fat and build muscle at the same time? Yes, it's real. Here's what the research says actually drives body recomposition, per a 2022 Med Sci Sports Exerc analysis.

  • 10 sets per muscle group per week is probably enough — here's the number that actually matters.
    Numbers Don't Lie

    10 sets per muscle group per week is probably enough — here's the number that actually matters.

    Most lifters chase 20+ sets per muscle group. The research says you can grow on far less — and more isn't always better, according to a 2024 Sports Med meta-analysis.

  • Beta-alanine does work — but only for the right type of effort, per a 2026 meta-analysis of 17 RCTs
    Myths Busted

    Beta-alanine does work — but only for the right type of effort, per a 2026 meta-analysis of 17 RCTs

    Beta-alanine raises muscle carnosine and cuts fatigue in high-intensity efforts lasting 1–4 minutes — but a 2026 meta-analysis of 17 RCTs found zero benefit for repeated sprints.

  • Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis
    What Actually Matters

    Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis

    Full-body or split? For muscle growth and strength, the answer is neither — they're equal, per a 2024 J Strength Cond Res meta-analysis of 14 studies.

Curious about a workout plan that includes the Standing Side Stretch

Standing Side Stretch Alternatives

Back Pec Stretch

Back Pec Stretch

Dynamic Back Stretch

Dynamic Back Stretch

More

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Free Tools
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog