It can be easy to get caught up in the hype in the fast-paced world of fitness with high-intensity exercise and cardio. Nonetheless, one thing that will return in a big way for 2024 is the side stretch. Side Stretch: So easy to forget about from our humble classroom, and yet so useful for flexibility, core strength, and posture. Adding this easy yet powerful exercise to your workouts will serve you well both now and as time goes on.
The side stretch has become a trend for fitness lovers, and in this article, we have explained why this exercise is so essential and a trending option to make it a part of the workout routine.
What Makes Side Stretch Go Viral in 2024
Improves Flexibility
As more and more people focus on workouts that are flexible and mobile, the stretch has been lauded for its ability to relieve tight muscles. Serves as a great movement for those trying to improve overall mobility, targeting the obliques, intercostals, and muscles that run along the spine.
Core Strengthening
And the side stretch is not just about stretching, it also works your core. Properly done, it will also involve your abdominals—including your obliques—which are great for exercises. Because of this, the idea has caught on among the fitness community and trainers and instructors all over the world, as everyone knows that a strong core will lead to overall body strength, balance, and posture.
Promotes Better Posture
We live in an age where many of us spend countless hours hunched over our computers or phones, which means that posture is finally getting attention in the fitness world. Side Stretch: This stretches the spine and muscles that become tight from sitting all day. By practicing stretches regularly, you will increase flexibility, reduce the risk of pain in your back, and improve posture.
Has Been Covered in Popular Workouts
Whether yoga and Pilates, HIIT, or strength training, multiple styles incorporate stretches. Appropriate for after an intense cardio session or immediately before heading into weightlifting, the side stretch fits in easily at nearly any time.
How to correct your stretch
For beginners on the stretch or if you want to make sure you’re doing them correctly, here are the steps:
Stand Tall Stand with feet hip-width apart, lengthen your spine, and relax your shoulders.
One Arm Overhead Reach one arm directly over your head and hold on to the strap with your bicep close to your ear. The other hand can be on your hip or at your side.
Lean to the Opposite Side In a slow and deliberate movement, gradually lean towards the other side, again experiencing the side stretch along your ribcage. Do not bend forward or backward – move only sideways.
Stretch Hold for 20–30 seconds, breathing deeply, then return to the start and switch sides.
Side Stretch Variations
There are several stretches that you can do to target different levels or aspects of your fitness, so let´s start with the
Seated Side Stretch
For beginners or those just needing a slower-paced stretch, this can be performed seated on the floor with your legs crossed. It is often used in yoga sequences.
Side Stretch with Resistance Band
This is a variation for people looking to create more strength in the posterior shoulder; however, adding a band resistance allows this stretch to assist in engaging those muscles. With both hands, simply grab the band and perform a side stretch normally.
Dynamic Side Stretch
Mainly, it can be used as a sort of transitioning exercise to warm up your heart rate and engage several different muscle groups all at one time, including movement with the position (i.e., doing side-to-side lunges while stretching).
Benefits of Stretches
If you incorporate side stretching into your workout, then several health benefits come with it:
It helps to increase the flexibility and mobility of the spine, shoulders, and hips.
It helps loosen tight muscles and improve mobility to reduce injury risk.
It strengthens the core, which improves posture and balance.
Releases tension in the back and shoulders, ideal to counteract hours spent at a desk.
Including Side Stretches in Your Regimen
Some easy ways to get stretches into your workout routine include:
Dynamic Side Stretch Warm-Up: Simple yet effective dynamic side stretches to prepare the muscles before a workout.
Cool Down: End with stretches to stretch out your working muscles.
Daily mobility routine: stretch at the sides every day, even outside workout sessions, to help you remain flexible and also reduce muscle stiffness that comes from sitting or being inactive.
Conclusion
These may look like they are not doing much, but the side stretch is a deceptively simple movement that can help to improve your flexibility, and your core strength and hence (as long as you do it right) help to benefit your posture. From a beginner or intermediate fitness level to an elite athlete the stretch is one of the best exercises (period) that you can add to your workout.
