Stretching the stomach muscles, also known as the abdominal muscles, provides several benefits, including a stronger core and better flexibility. A full stomach stretch that targets the upper, lower and oblique abdominal muscles is an effective way to achieve improved health and strength. You can accomplish this through a series of stretches and exercises designed specifically for this part of your body.
Exercise Ball Crunch Stretch
You will need an exercise ball to perform this stretch and should use caution, as an exercise ball might be difficult for some people to use. Begin by lying on the exercise ball with the curve of your lower back pressed against the ball, knees bent and feet firmly on the floor. Let your upper torso hang or lean off the top of the ball and, to avoid neck strain, keep your arms alongside your body or crossed over your chest. After lowering your torso into a stretch position, flex your waist by contracting the abdominal muscles while keeping your hips stationary. Curl your shoulders and upper torso upward until you feel your abdominals contract and hold for a second before returning to the starting position. Be sure to keep your lower back in contact with the ball at all times and repeat for up to 10 repetitions.
Air Bike Stretches
From a lying position with your lower back pressed against the floor, begin the air bike stretch by placing your hands beside your head, with your shoulders slightly bent upward. Bring your knees to a position that puts your lower legs parallel to the floor and your thighs perpendicular to the floor. Next, slowly begin a pedaling motion, as if you were riding a bike, kicking your right leg forward while bringing the left knee inward toward your chest. As you bring the left knee inward, lift your upper torso to a position that you can touch your right elbow to the left knee. Target all of the stomach muscles by alternating movements and complete up to at least a minute's worth of cycling for full benefits.
Frog Situps
Frog situps are a variation of traditional situps that will provide you with a full abdominal stretch. Begin by lying flat on your back with your legs extended. Bend your knees, placing your outer thighs on the floor as you touch the soles of your feet together. If possible, bring both feet, with soles still touching, closer to your body while keeping the outer thighs on or nearly touching the floor. Cross your arms in front of you, then curl your torso upward until your elbows nearly touch your knees, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat for up to 10 repetitions.
Oblique Crunch Stretch
The oblique crunch is done while in a lying position with your back flat on the floor, feet placed on a bench or chair, with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Make sure the tips of your shoes are pointing toward the ceiling. With one hand behind your head, lift your torso by flexing your stomach muscles so that your elbow touches the opposite knee. Slowly return to starting position and repeat for up to 10 repetitions. Reverse the process for the other side.
