Abdominals Stretch Variation One
A floor-based ab stretch that rises from forearm support into a cobra-style press-up to open the front of the core.
- Works
- Core
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
How to
- 1Lie face down with your legs extended, forearms on the floor, elbows beneath the shoulders, and palms planted.
- 2Press through your hands and begin lifting your chest as your elbows move away from the floor.
- 3Continue straightening your arms into a comfortable cobra-style position while keeping your hips and thighs grounded.
- 4Draw your shoulders down away from your ears and breathe slowly into the stretch across the abdomen.
- 5Bend your elbows to lower with control until your forearms return to the floor.
- 6Repeat through the same smooth forearm-to-extended-arm path without forcing the height.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the back bend with your shoulders instead of letting the chest lead — this strains the lower back without stretching the abs.
- Holding your breath through the stretch, which tightens the core and works against the lengthening you're after.
- Rushing in and out of the position rather than easing in slowly — the stretch needs time under tension to release.
- Dropping the head too far back, putting needless pressure on the neck instead of the abdominal wall.