{"id":58187,"date":"2024-01-07T14:07:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T14:07:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=58187"},"modified":"2024-01-08T18:45:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T18:45:16","slug":"lying-abdominal-stretch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &#038; Supporting Muscle Stretches"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#What_Is_an_Abdominal_Stretch\" >What Is an Abdominal Stretch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Why_Should_You_Do_Abdominal_Stretches\" >Why Should You Do Abdominal Stretches?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Abdominal_Muscles_to_Stretch\" >Abdominal Muscles to Stretch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#What_Do_Abdominal_Stretch_Help_With\" >What Do Abdominal Stretch Help With?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#How_Long_Should_You_Hold_an_Abdominal_Stretch\" >How Long Should You Hold an Abdominal Stretch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Lying_Abdominal_Stretch_Tips\" >Lying Abdominal Stretch Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Static_vs_Dynamic_Stretching\" >Static vs. Dynamic Stretching<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#What_Muscles_Do_the_Lying_Crossover_Stretch_Work\" >What Muscles Do the Lying Crossover Stretch Work?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Lying_Standing_Sitting_and_Lower_Ab_Stretches\" >Lying, Standing, Sitting, and Lower Ab Stretches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Lying_Abdominal_Stretch_Yoga_Poses\" >Lying Abdominal Stretch Yoga Poses<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Cobra_Yoga_Pose\" >Cobra Yoga Pose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Locust_Pose\" >Locust Pose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Cat_Cow_Pose\" >Cat Cow Pose<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Standing_Abdominal_Stretch_Options\" >Standing Abdominal Stretch Options<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Standard_Standing_Ab_Stretch\" >Standard Standing Ab Stretch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Wall_Lean_Stretch\" >Wall Lean Stretch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Leaning_Tree_Pose\" >Leaning Tree Pose<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Sitting_Abdominal_Stretches\" >Sitting Abdominal Stretches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Seated_Side_Bend\" >Seated Side Bend<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Seated_Twists\" >Seated Twists<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Seated_Bow_Pose\" >Seated Bow Pose<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Lower_Abdominal_Stretches\" >Lower Abdominal Stretches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Elevated_Torso_Stretch\" >Elevated Torso Stretch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Traditional_Bow_Pose\" >Traditional Bow Pose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Rotating_Ab_Stretch\" >Rotating Ab Stretch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Bonus_Abdominal_and_Torso_Stretches\" >Bonus Abdominal and Torso Stretches<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#The_Chest_Bicep_Stretch\" >The Chest Bicep Stretch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#The_Upper_Back_and_Torso_Stretch\" >The Upper Back and Torso Stretch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#For_more_ways_to_improve_your_workouts\" >For more ways to improve your workouts:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Why_Stretching_in_Bed_Feels_So_Good\" >Why Stretching in Bed Feels So Good?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Should_I_Stretch_in_the_Morning_or_at_Night\" >Should I Stretch in the Morning or at Night?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Why_Do_I_Feel_Sleepy_After_Stretching\" >Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Stretching?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#Is_it_Good_to_Stretch_on_a_Full_Stomach\" >Is it Good to Stretch on a Full Stomach?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#What_Does_the_Lying_Twist_Stretch_Do\" >What Does the Lying Twist Stretch Do?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing abdominal stretches before or after your workout could help prevent or reduce tightness or soreness around your abs. Your abs and core may feel strained, tight, or sore after a hard workout. You\u2019d likely do anything to ensure you can continue your ab-toning and core strengthening workouts without worries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, our abdominal stretches will help maximize intense workouts while also helping reduce injury. You\u2019ll also discover abdominal stretches to use in a variety of positions, why <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/can-stretching-make-you-taller\/\">stretching<\/a> matters, and its impact on your overall workout routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Abdominal_Stretch\"><\/span><b>What Is an Abdominal Stretch?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An abdominal stretch is a stretch performed when the abdominal area is held in an elongated or extended position with mild to moderate tension on the area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lying abdominal stretch is one of many abdominal stretches. More abdominal stretches include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cobra Pose (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-cobra-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locust Pose (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/how-to-do-locust-pose-3567097\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Cow (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hingehealth.com\/resources\/articles\/cat-cow\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standing Ab Stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wall Lean Stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaning Tree Pose (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seated Side Bend (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hingehealth.com\/resources\/articles\/side-bend\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seated Twists (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seated Bow Pose (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-bow-yoga-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated Torso Stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-cobra-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional Bow Pose (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-bow-yoga-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotating Ab Stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper Back\/Torso Stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534856\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myhealth.alberta.ca\/Health\/aftercareinformation\/pages\/conditions.aspx?hwid=zp4503#:~:text=Lower%20neck%20and%20upper%20back%20(rhomboid)%20stretch&amp;text=Clasp%20one%20hand%20on%20top,for%2015%20to%2030%20seconds.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But first, discover why abdominal stretching matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe App helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\">Start using our app <\/a>and you will see good results in a short time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Should_You_Do_Abdominal_Stretches\"><\/span><b>Why Should You Do Abdominal Stretches?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many abdominal muscles working to perform different functions of our core. When those muscles are tight due to being weak or overworked, we can start to see postural issues, movement issues, referred pain, among others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Abdominal_Muscles_to_Stretch\"><\/span><b>Abdominal Muscles to Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your ab muscles are more than the famous 6-pack. The Cleveland Clinic says you have four main abdominal muscles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rectus Abdominis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These are the front muscles between the pelvis and ribs. They keep your body stable in motion.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obliques<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The external and internal obliques run on the sides of your 6-pack and are responsible for twisting and rotation movements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transversus Abdominis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It\u2019s the deepest primary abs muscle, wrapping around your bottom abdomen to stabilize your trunk.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pyramidalis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This tiny, vertical muscle close to your pelvis helps other muscles maintain abdominal pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The abdominal muscles are just one group of muscles in a much larger network of core muscles. As a collective group they act as stabilizers, mobilizers, and balancers to our trunk. Some of the other core muscles include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Core_Muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hips flexors, abductors, and adductors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lumbar muscles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic muscles<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2.png\" alt=\"lying abdominal stretch\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Do_Abdominal_Stretch_Help_With\"><\/span><b>What Do Abdominal Stretch Help With?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal stretches may benefit you in various ways. The Mayo Clinic suggests stretching benefits your muscle flexibility, which may also help with the following (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/fitness\/in-depth\/stretching\/art-20047931\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved muscle performance or endurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lower risk of muscle injury or overuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It enables joints to reach their full range of motion better<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved blood circulation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stronger core for a better posture<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The improvements you may achieve allow you to warm your muscles up before a workout or cool them down. Harvard says the failure to stretch and warm muscles before working out could weaken them as the fibers shorten, causing abdominal tightness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/the-importance-of-stretching\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, Louisiana researchers found that stretching may increase muscle length and encourage collagen fibers to help muscle recovery (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3273886\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Should_You_Hold_an_Abdominal_Stretch\"><\/span><b>How Long Should You Hold an Abdominal Stretch?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harvard suggests holding a stretch for at least 30 seconds without bouncing or adding sudden movements that may hurt the cold muscles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/the-importance-of-stretching\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Avoid holding the same stretch for longer. Instead, use alternating stretches to warm various muscles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lying_Abdominal_Stretch_Tips\"><\/span><b>Lying Abdominal Stretch Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cleveland Clinic suggests safety tips to warm and cool your muscles properly (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/fitness\/in-depth\/stretching\/art-20047931\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on stretching the muscles equally on both sides.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathe normally, and hold the stretch for up to 60 seconds if it feels comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only stretch as far as you feel comfortable without causing pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do 5-10 minutes of light stretching before and after workouts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Static_vs_Dynamic_Stretching\"><\/span><b>Static vs. Dynamic Stretching<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, know the difference between static and <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/dynamic-stretching\/\">dynamic stretches<\/a>. The Hospital for Special Surgery states that<a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/static-stretches\/\"> static stretches<\/a> are while lying down, sitting, or standing still (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hss.edu\/article_static_dynamic_stretching.asp#:~:text=Static%20stretches%20are%20those%20in,tissues%20for%20performance%20and%20safety.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These are good for cooling muscles after a workout.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, dynamic stretches apply some movement to prepare muscles for a workout. A lying crossover stretch with twisting reps is dynamic, whereas holding the same position for a few seconds is static.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Muscles_Do_the_Lying_Crossover_Stretch_Work\"><\/span><b>What Muscles Do the Lying Crossover Stretch Work?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lying crossover stretch is the ideal example of how core and ab muscles work together. Sportskeeda suggests the lying crossover stretch targets the lower back, hips, glutes, obliques, and more, acting as a dynamic full-body stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/health-and-fitness\/lying-crossover-stretch-benefits-alternatives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/glute-stretches\/\"><i>10 Glute Stretches for Instant Relief<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lying_Standing_Sitting_and_Lower_Ab_Stretches\"><\/span><b>Lying, Standing, Sitting, and Lower Ab Stretches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completing an abdominal stretch lying down can be the simplest way to stretch those abs and core muscles to help you before and after workouts. You\u2019ll focus on static stretches with a few dynamic variations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lying_Abdominal_Stretch_Yoga_Poses\"><\/span><b>Lying Abdominal Stretch Yoga Poses<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, let\u2019s focus on lying abdominal stretches before standing or sitting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cobra_Yoga_Pose\"><\/span><b>Cobra Yoga Pose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WebMD says the cobra pose may work that small triangular pyramidalis muscle above the pelvis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-cobra-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It also stretches the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, obliques, trapezius, and pectoral muscles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie face-down on the floor, hands flat on floor at chest level,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your heels must be close to each other, and your fingers pointing forward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Draw your elbows close to your sides as you inhale and push up,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Straighten your elbows to lift your body off the ground,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your naval and pelvis will remain on the floor,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open your chest, drawing your shoulders backward and downward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look up until you feel comfortable, and hold the position for 30-60 seconds,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhale when you reverse yourself back onto the floor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Locust_Pose\"><\/span><b>Locust Pose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The locust pose stretches more than your abs and core muscles. It also stretches the glutes, hips, arms, and hamstrings while opening your chest (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/how-to-do-locust-pose-3567097\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, avoid crunching your neck or bending your knees during the hold.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie face flat on a yoga mat, with your arms palm-down at your sides,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your body and legs straight as you raise your head and open your chest,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhale and roll your shoulders back and downward as you rise,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go as high as comfortably possible before turning your hands palms down,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support your body with your hands while you hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reverse your palms upward and exhale as you release.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cat_Cow_Pose\"><\/span><b>Cat Cow Pose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cat-cow yoga pose isn\u2019t a lying stretch, but a stretch in the quadruped position, meaning you will be on your hands and knees. The pose stretches your abdominal muscles as you suck them toward your spine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hingehealth.com\/resources\/articles\/cat-cow\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Engaging the abs and core muscles should be a priority in this pose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get on all fours on a yoga mat,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Line your knees with your hips and your hands under your shoulders,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Draw your chin toward your chest while raising your middle back to the ceiling like an arched cat,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold position for 5-10 seconds and release moving into the opposite direction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back will arch in the opposite direction like the sway back of a cow, lifting chin and head towards the ceiling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold 5-10 seconds, going back and forth between both positions for 30-60 seconds.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/3.png\" alt=\"lying abdominal stretch\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Standing_Abdominal_Stretch_Options\"><\/span><b>Standing Abdominal Stretch Options<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s leave the lying abdominal stretch variations to show you some standing options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Standard_Standing_Ab_Stretch\"><\/span><b>Standard Standing Ab Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple static ab stretch will target the muscles you wish to stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It feels like a regular stretch but does wonders to relieve tightness after a workout.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand with your feet forward and hands on your hips,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slide your thumbs behind your waist as you push your hips forward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhale as you pull your shoulders backward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the position for 30-60 seconds and release.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wall_Lean_Stretch\"><\/span><b>Wall Lean Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A static wall lean has similar effects to the standing ab stretch, targeting the abdominal and core muscles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). You\u2019ll also feel some pulling on your upper shoulders and biceps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place your hands high on a wall, facing the wall,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your feet away from the wall as you push your hips backward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gently tilt your stomach and pelvis forward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Press into your arms to stretch the trunk muscles,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your feet flat as you hold for 30-60 seconds and release.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leaning_Tree_Pose\"><\/span><b>Leaning Tree Pose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another static stretch you should consider is the leaning tree pose because it stretches the obliques on your sides (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). You must focus on rotating movements to stretch the obliques.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold your hands in a prayer position with your palms together in front of you,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand upright as you spread your legs shoulder-width apart,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raise your arms over your head as far as comfortably possible,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean toward the left side and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds,\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Return to the center before leaning and repeating the hold on the other side.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sitting_Abdominal_Stretches\"><\/span><b>Sitting Abdominal Stretches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doing stretches in a chair can also target the right abdominal muscles. Let\u2019s see how.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seated_Side_Bend\"><\/span><b>Seated Side Bend<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A side bend stretches your obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, and intercostal muscles between your ribs (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hingehealth.com\/resources\/articles\/side-bend\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Ironically, the seated side bend has the same benefits as the standing version, which includes improved posture from sitting too long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit upright in a chair with your legs slightly spread apart,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raise your arms as you interlock your fingers to point to the ceiling,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly bend sideways without overstretching,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid leaning your body forward as you bend sideways,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the bend for 30-60 seconds before repeating it on the other side.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seated_Twists\"><\/span><b>Seated Twists<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You stretch your rotation-focused obliques in a seated position with this twist (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It\u2019s good to stretch them because many exercises require the obliques to function properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit upright with your legs spread apart and feet flat on the ground,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place your hands on your hips, like a mom about to yell at her kids,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your spine straight as you push your right hip forward to rotate your torso,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seated_Bow_Pose\"><\/span><b>Seated Bow Pose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga pose variations are good to try when the original pose has enormous benefits (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-bow-yoga-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The original bow pose stretches your ab and core muscles, even the glutes, and into your hamstrings. However, this variation is easier for people without much flexibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit on a\u00a0 chair and wrap your ankles around the chair\u2019s front legs,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean your arms backward, slowly lifting your chin and lowering your upper back,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid overstretching or losing your balance as your weight shifts on the chair,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on lengthening your absas you hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds and release.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>If you wish to free yourself from all the extra pounds that have been weighting you down for way too long, <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\">start using the BetterMe app<\/a> and overhaul your entire life!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lower_Abdominal_Stretches\"><\/span><b>Lower Abdominal Stretches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targeting the lower abdominal muscles means you should aim to stretch the related core muscles. Let\u2019s get you started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Elevated_Torso_Stretch\"><\/span><b>Elevated Torso Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This static stretch moves your body similarly to the cobra pose, letting you target the pyramidalis above the pelvic floor (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-cobra-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, it stretches you further, and you should stop if you feel pain. Choose a low enough chair and a smooth floor to practice this stretch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rest your elbows on the chair while on your knees in a prayer position,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allow your feet to slowly slide backward as you sink your abs toward the floor,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your elbows resting on the chair as you arch your back without hurting it,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the position for 30-60 seconds before slowly returning to the starting point.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Bow_Pose\"><\/span><b>Traditional Bow Pose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WebMD suggests the bow yoga pose is another brilliant lower abdominal stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-bow-yoga-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It strains your lower abdominal muscles, glutes, and hips more.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie face down on a yoga mat, bending your knees to bring your feet to your buttocks,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grab both ankles with your hands while gently arching your torso backward,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the position for 30-60 seconds and release gently.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rotating_Ab_Stretch\"><\/span><b>Rotating Ab Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This static stretch is easier than a supine twist, and it stretches the lower abdominal muscles while targeting the side obliques. Not many stretches target the obliques unless you add twists and rotations, as it\u2019s the primary muscle function (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie face down on the floor with your hands under your shoulders,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dig your hips into the floor as you enter a cobra pose to raise your upper body,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Straighten your left arm, pushing your upper body to the right,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds while feeling the obliques burn,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Return to the start and repeat on the other side.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/upper-back-stretches\/\"><i> 8 Upper Back Stretches for Mild Back Pain<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Abdominal_and_Torso_Stretches\"><\/span><b>Bonus Abdominal and Torso Stretches<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other muscles work with your abs, too. So, let\u2019s show you three more stretches to enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Chest_Bicep_Stretch\"><\/span><b>The Chest Bicep Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good chest and bicep stretch should target the chest\u2019s pectoral minor and major muscles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK545241\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). They\u2019re responsible for upper limb movements. Meanwhile, the biceps are the thick muscles in the upper front arms (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Biceps_Brachii\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). A chest opener on a stability ball will stretch these muscles with your abs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie on your back over an exercise or stability ball,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your feet should be flat on the floor with your back extended over it,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your shoulders, neck, and head should be on the ball\u2019s top,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open your arms upward and sideways to stretch out next to you, hanging off the ball towards the floor,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look at the ceiling to ensure you remain in the right position,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold it for 30-60 seconds and release.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Upper_Back_and_Torso_Stretch\"><\/span><b>The Upper Back and Torso Stretch<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The upper back and torso also rely on the rhomboid minor and major muscles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534856\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These muscles help to stabilize your trunk and shoulders. A rhomboid stretch may not hit the abs but targets the upper back muscles you often miss with other stretches (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myhealth.alberta.ca\/Health\/aftercareinformation\/pages\/conditions.aspx?hwid=zp4503#:~:text=Lower%20neck%20and%20upper%20back%20(rhomboid)%20stretch&amp;text=Clasp%20one%20hand%20on%20top,for%2015%20to%2030%20seconds.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stand upright as you interlock your hands with your arms straight ahead of you,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly reach your arms further out until you feel the stretch between your shoulders,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bend your head slightly forward and hold for 30-60 seconds before the release.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_more_ways_to_improve_your_workouts\"><\/span><b>For more ways to improve your workouts:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/beach-abs-workout\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beach Abs Workout<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/pilates-workout-full-body\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pilates Full-Body Workout<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/stretches-to-improve-posture\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretches to Improve Posture<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/7-1.png\" alt=\"lying abdominal stretch\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Stretching_in_Bed_Feels_So_Good\"><\/span><strong>Why Stretching in Bed Feels So Good?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching before bed feels good because it relaxes you. Japanese scientists found that static stretches could activate the parasympathetic nervous system to help you feel relaxed (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10422553\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It also improves blood flow to the muscles to induce further relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_Stretch_in_the_Morning_or_at_Night\"><\/span><strong>Should I Stretch in the Morning or at Night?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching benefits you at night and in the morning. Doing static stretches before bed relaxes you. On the other hand, stretching could activate beta brain waves, which you experience in alert consciousness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10422553\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It can help you kickstart your day with a clear mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_I_Feel_Sleepy_After_Stretching\"><\/span><strong>Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Stretching?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colorado State University says stretching aids the body in producing more serotonin, the sleepy hormone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.research.colostate.edu\/healthyagingcenter\/2021\/06\/23\/the-simple-act-of-stretching\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Serotonin can also boost your mood. Feeling happier could make you feel sleepy. Stretching also reduces muscle tension and may help to reduce pain. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_Good_to_Stretch_on_a_Full_Stomach\"><\/span><strong>Is it Good to Stretch on a Full Stomach?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, you should wait 30-60 minutes after a snack or 1-2 hours after a meal before you stretch (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/well-being\/movement-exercise\/how-long-should-i-wait-to-exercise-after-eating\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The Cleveland Clinic suggests the abs also maintain the pressure inside your stomach (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21755-abdominal-muscles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_the_Lying_Twist_Stretch_Do\"><\/span><strong>What Does the Lying Twist Stretch Do?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lying twist stretch is also called a supine twist in yoga, and Very Well Fit suggests it may relieve back pain (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/yoga-for-back-pain-supine-spinal-twist-297346\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, you may also injure your back with improper technique. You should never force yourself into the twist and stop immediately if you feel pain. <\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The abdominal stretch options are plentiful so aim for stretching multiple abdominal muscles after workouts with these static choices. Also, follow the safety tips and instructions carefully to avoid potential injury in some poses. Choosing multiple stretches for 5-10 minutes post-workout will do wonders. Try them today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Practicing abdominal stretches before or after your workout could help prevent or reduce tightness or soreness around your abs. Your abs and core may feel strained, tight, or sore after a hard workout. You\u2019d likely do anything to ensure you can continue your ab-toning and core strengthening workouts without worries.\u00a0 Fortunately, our abdominal stretches will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":58192,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"coauthors":[178,215],"class_list":["post-58187","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-betterme-fitness"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &amp; Supporting Muscle Stretches - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our \u2605 LYING ABDOMINAL STRETCH \u27a4 options with 15 variations to target supporting muscles will give you everything you need to benefit from a workout cool-down.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &amp; Supporting Muscle Stretches\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our \u2605 LYING ABDOMINAL STRETCH \u27a4 options with 15 variations to target supporting muscles will give you everything you need to benefit from a workout cool-down.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-01-08T18:45:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Caroline Lambert, Hollee Mohni, RD, CPT\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Caroline Lambert, Hollee Mohni, RD, CPT\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Caroline Lambert\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/89d78f2cbcc3157b9392ef450de6ad9d\"},\"headline\":\"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &#038; Supporting Muscle Stretches\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-01-08T18:45:16+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/\"},\"wordCount\":2459,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Fitness\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Practicing abdominal stretches before or after your workout could help prevent or reduce tightness or soreness around your abs. Your abs and core may feel strained, tight, or sore after a hard workout. You\u2019d likely do anything to ensure you can continue your ab-toning and core strengthening workouts without worries.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\" data-sheets-value=\\\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\\\\&quot; mp4=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\\\\&quot;]&quot;}\\\" data-sheets-userformat=\\\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\\\" data-sheets-formula=\\\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Fortunately, our abdominal stretches will help maximize intense workouts while also helping reduce injury. You\u2019ll also discover abdominal stretches to use in a variety of positions, why <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/can-stretching-make-you-taller\/\\\">stretching<\/a> matters, and its impact on your overall workout routine.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is an Abdominal Stretch?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">An abdominal stretch is a stretch performed when the abdominal area is held in an elongated or extended position with mild to moderate tension on the area.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The lying abdominal stretch is one of many abdominal stretches. More abdominal stretches include:\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n<ul>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Cobra Pose (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-cobra-pose\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">)<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li st ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/\",\"name\":\"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, & Supporting Muscle Stretches - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-01-08T18:45:16+00:00\",\"description\":\"Our \u2605 LYING ABDOMINAL STRETCH \u27a4 options with 15 variations to target supporting muscles will give you everything you need to benefit from a workout cool-down.\u00a0\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Fitness\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/betterme-fitness\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &#038; 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Unfortunately, the once top school athlete (with provincial colors), struggles with weightloss, exercise, and healthy habits. As a result, Caroline is here to not only share valuable advice from experts and proven studies, but she\u2019s also here to begin her journey with you. Caroline\u2019s greatest downfall is that she has worked remote for 18 years. Now\u2019s the time to find evidence to support her lifestyle changes, sharing them with you. Caroline also has a passion for various nutritional journeys as she loves trying new regimes and cultural differences. She has the determination to change, and she prides herself in helping others through proven methods to lose weight and gain self-control, mentally and physically.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caroline-lambert-75a29839\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/author\/caroline-whittington\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, & Supporting Muscle Stretches - BetterMe","description":"Our \u2605 LYING ABDOMINAL STRETCH \u27a4 options with 15 variations to target supporting muscles will give you everything you need to benefit from a workout cool-down.\u00a0","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, & Supporting Muscle Stretches","og_description":"Our \u2605 LYING ABDOMINAL STRETCH \u27a4 options with 15 variations to target supporting muscles will give you everything you need to benefit from a workout cool-down.\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2024-01-08T18:45:16+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Caroline Lambert, Hollee Mohni, RD, CPT","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Caroline Lambert, Hollee Mohni, RD, CPT","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/"},"author":{"name":"Caroline Lambert","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/89d78f2cbcc3157b9392ef450de6ad9d"},"headline":"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &#038; Supporting Muscle Stretches","dateModified":"2024-01-08T18:45:16+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/"},"wordCount":2459,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Fitness"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing abdominal stretches before or after your workout could help prevent or reduce tightness or soreness around your abs. Your abs and core may feel strained, tight, or sore after a hard workout. You\u2019d likely do anything to ensure you can continue your ab-toning and core strengthening workouts without worries.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=lying_abdominal_stretch\\&quot; mp4=\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\\&quot;]&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, our abdominal stretches will help maximize intense workouts while also helping reduce injury. You\u2019ll also discover abdominal stretches to use in a variety of positions, why <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/can-stretching-make-you-taller\/\">stretching<\/a> matters, and its impact on your overall workout routine.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Is an Abdominal Stretch?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An abdominal stretch is a stretch performed when the abdominal area is held in an elongated or extended position with mild to moderate tension on the area.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lying abdominal stretch is one of many abdominal stretches. More abdominal stretches include:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cobra Pose (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/how-to-do-cobra-pose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li st ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/","name":"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, & Supporting Muscle Stretches - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg","dateModified":"2024-01-08T18:45:16+00:00","description":"Our \u2605 LYING ABDOMINAL STRETCH \u27a4 options with 15 variations to target supporting muscles will give you everything you need to benefit from a workout cool-down.\u00a0","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/shutterstock_2001966143-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/lying-abdominal-stretch\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Fitness","item":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/betterme-fitness\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Lying Abdominal Stretch: 15 Abs, Core, &#038; Supporting Muscle Stretches"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/89d78f2cbcc3157b9392ef450de6ad9d","name":"Caroline Lambert","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/6aa31294e295eb5e1e82516233403e26","url":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/photo_2023-09-12_12-26-39-150x150.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/photo_2023-09-12_12-26-39-150x150.jpg","caption":"Caroline Lambert"},"description":"Caroline has spent much of her life battling against the urge to eat her way to happiness. 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