The obliques are a large muscle group located on the exterior section of your abdomen. Bending and twisting at the waist can be used to stretch out these muscles in preparation for other forms of exercise. Stretching can also relieve any abdominal muscle strain you may be experiencing. Plan to spend about five minutes performing these exercises to stretch the obliques.
Pretzel
This stretch works the muscles in the obliques, spine and buttocks. To begin, sit on the floor with your knees bent in front of you. Straighten your left leg and move your right foot to the outside of your left knee. Turn your body to the right by twisting the torso. Put your left elbow against your right knee to twist even further. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds before switching sides.
Side Bends
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width distance apart to begin this move to stretch the obliques, triceps and shoulders. Use your right hand to hold the elbow of your left arm. Pull the elbow with your hand as you bend your core to the right of your body. Once you feel a stretch along the left side of your body, hold the position for a minimum of 15 seconds. Switch sides and repeat the move.
Seated Bent Leg
For this stretch for the abdominal muscles and spine, start off by sitting on a mat. Lean your body back and rest on your hands, which should be placed behind you. Bend your knees and hips while keeping your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Rotate your knees and hips to the left of your body while pulling your core to the right. Stay in the stretch for 30 seconds before switching sides.
Rotation Stretch
This standing stretch is used to work the muscles in the obliques and the spine. Stand with your arms in a folded position across your chest. Rotate your shoulders and torso to twist to the right side of your body while your feet stay planted. After holding the position for 20 to 30 seconds, move to the other side.
