Back Arching Stomach Stretch

Technique:

• Sit on a Swiss ball
• Roll the ball forward slowly as you lean back
• Rest your back and shoulders on the ball
• Allow your arms to hang on each side

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

Secondary muscles: Pectoralis major and minor.

Injury where stretch may be useful: Abdominal muscle strain. Chest strain. Pectoral muscle insertion inflammation.

Note: For those who spend most of their day sitting, such as office workers or drivers, the muscles of the front of the body can become inflexible and extremely tight. When performing this stretch for the first time, use caution and rest between each repetition.