18 Images That Will Show You The Exact Muscles You Use When You Stretch

Dec 07, 2018

Stretching is one of the most important aspects of any physical exercise. Even if you don't work out that frequently, stretching is still very important for overall wellbeing.

The following exercises will help you keep yourself fit and ensure that your muscles stay in shape.

These stretches work to target the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

To properly execute the stretch, start by putting both hands and both hips. Then, straighten your back, making sure to carefully bend your head backward. In order to make this stretch increasingly more intensive, put both hands against your forehead. Then, pull down carefully.

The muscles involved in this stretch are the sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as the upper trapezius.

For this stretch, start in a seated position. Straighten the back, then use your left hand to bend your head towards the left. Next, try to touch your ear with your shoulder. Repeat this exercise in the opposite direction.

This exercise targets the lats.

To execute this stretch, start on all fours. Then, move the hands back as you try to use your forehead to touch the floor. 

This exercise targets the abdominal external oblique muscles.

To complete this exercise, sit on your floor, placing both hands behind you. Then push your hips upward and forward. 

This stretch well targets the lats and the pectoral muscles.

Perform this stretch by straightening your body and facing the wall. Then, put one hand on your wall. Start to slowly turn away, stretching your body as you go. Then repeat with your other hand.

This stretch targets your hamstrings and adductor muscles.

Begin the stretch by sitting on your floor with your legs stretched widely. Make sure to avoid bending your knees so that your legs stay firmly on the floor. Then, bring your body forward while sliding both arms over your shins. 

Next, make sure your legs stay family on the floor while you bring your body forward. Follow this pulling motion with your upper body.

The stretch will target your side delts.

To execute this stretch, begin by straightening your arm across the body. Then, press your arm lightly with the other hand in order to intensify your stretching. Repeat your exercise using the other arm.

The stretch will target your trapezius.

To complete the stretch, start in a standing position. Keep your legs close together and begin to slowly push the hips backward. Then, using your hands, move the head forward. Next, bring your chin towards your chest.

The stretch targets your external oblique muscles.

Straighten the legs wider than both shoulders. Extend both arms to your sides. Place your right foot outward as you turn your left foot in a 90-degree angle from your upper body. Then, place the right hand against the right shin. Keep your back straight as you raise the other hand. 

Simultaneously, put your pelvis down and backward. Repeat this exercise on the opposite side.

This exercise targets the lats and pectoral muscles.

Start this exercise by placing your hand against the wall. Ensure that there is enough distance between you and the wall so that you are parallel with the floor. Use this exercises to stretch the chest down as you brace against the wall.

Use this stretch to target the external oblique muscles and the glutes.

When executing the stretch, start by lying on the floor. Then, bend the right knee, moving your leg towards the other side across your body. Repeat with the other leg.

This stretch will target your oblique muscles and your lats. 

Execute this stretch by bending your upper body towards the right. Then, repeat this stretch towards the other side. 

Use this exercise to target the hamstrings and posterior muscles.

Execute the stretch by straightening your body. Begin by putting one foot in front of the other. Keeping your back straight, place both hands on the hips, then bring the upper body forward. Repeat this exercise with the opposite foot in front.

This stretch will target your adductors.

To begin this pose, start from a seated position. Then, put your feet together, making sure to bend the knees. Keep the back straight and carefully push both knees downward with both hands.

This exercise will target your glutes.

Begin the stretch by sitting down. Straighten your back, start to pull one leg towards your chest. Then, turn your hip upward. Repeat with your other leg. 

Use this exercise to target the anterior tibial muscle.

Begin this stretch by sitting on the floor. Put your right hand towards your back. Bring your right foot towards your left knee, keeping it there as long as possible with your other hand. Then, repeat with the other leg.

Use this stretch to target the calves, hamstrings, and posterior muscles. 

To begin the stretch, sit on the floor, keeping both legs together. Then, bend the upper body forward.

This stretch targets the quadratus lumborum, piriformis, iliacus, and the psoas muscles.

Begin the stretch by taking a long step with the left foot. Then, bend the front knee in a 90 degree angle. Take a long step with the left foot. Pull the back foot towards your pelvis with the other hand.

Do you have any favorite exercises for stretching? Leave your favorite routine in a comment below!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!