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Obliques stretching to Warm Up or Cool Down

In this exercise the obliques are gently stretched to improve flexibility around the waist. Without this flexibilit, many exercises will be difficult or uncomfortable. General fitness levels will decline, and you will lose motivation. Stretching obliques is central to a good fitness program.

The technique for stretching obliques outlined below will ensure you remain flexible around your waist. It should be used when warming up before exercise, but also as part of the cooling down phase after exercise.

Stretching obliques This is an exercise which can be done even while watching television, but is important to keep your waist supple.

When obliques stretching

stand with your feet apart and straight.
Put one hand on your waist, and bring the other hand to the top of your head.
lean over sideways gently until you feel your side muscles stretching.
be careful to keep your body in a straight vertical plane, don't stoop or lean back.
repeat the exercise for both sides.
as with other stretching exercises, do not bounce when stretching your obliques.