Appears in642 Workouts*

Forward Spine Stretch

Stretch and lengthen your spine with this effective exercise! Improve flexibility & posture, relieve back tension.

The Forward Spine Stretch mainly works the lower back and hamstrings, with help from the glutes & hips and traps. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Forward Spine Stretch demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat

Forward Spine Stretch Muscles Worked

Primary

Spinal Erectors (erector spinae); Hamstrings

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)

How to do the Forward Spine Stretch

  1. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs straight in front of you, about shoulder-width apart.

  2. Extend your arms straight out in front of your shoulders with your palms facing down.

  3. Inhale deeply and sit up tall, lengthening the spine.

  4. As you exhale, begin to round your spine forward, starting from your head and moving down vertebra by vertebra.

  5. Reach your hands towards your feet while maintaining your arms parallel to each other, and gently stretch forward as far as it is comfortable without straining.

  6. Aim to stretch more from the lower back rather than just bending at the waist. Keep your abdominal muscles gently engaged to support your spine.

  7. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply and gently trying to stretch a little further with each exhale without forcing.

  8. Inhale as you gently roll back up to the starting position, stacking each vertebra on top of the last to sit up tall once again.

  9. Repeat the stretch 2-3 times, taking your time to move smoothly in and out of the stretch.

Remember to keep the movements controlled and avoid bouncing. Your flexibility will improve over time, so never force the motion to the point of pain.

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Forward Spine Stretch FAQs

What muscles does the Forward Spine Stretch work?

The Forward Spine Stretch mainly works the lower back and hamstrings, with help from the glutes & hips and traps. The main muscles are the erector spinae and hamstrings.

What equipment do you need for the Forward Spine Stretch?

None. The Forward Spine Stretch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Forward Spine Stretch variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Abdominal Stretch, Armless Prayer Stretch, Bench Back-Bend Stretch and Backward Abdominal Stretch.

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