Technique:

• Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart
• Place your hands on your buttocks for support
• Look upwards and slowly lean backwards
• Keep your legs sturdy

Primary muscles: External and internal intercostals. External and internal obliques. Transversus abdominis. Rectus abdominis.

Secondary muscles: Psoas major and minor. Iliacus

Injury where stretch may be useful: Abdominal muscle strain. Hip flexor strain. Iliopsoas tendonitis.

Note: Avoid this stretch if you suffer from lower back pain or if you have sustained an injury to the lower back. When performing this stretch for the first time, use caution and rest between each repetition.