Overhead Stretch

A beginner stretch for the abs, chest, forearms, back and triceps.

Movement guide

Overhead Stretch

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredOther / check instructions

Muscle focusAbs · Chest · Forearms · Back · Triceps

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Overhead Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoOverhead StretchBeginner · Other / check instructions

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Overhead lat stretch at a bench demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoOverhead lat stretch at a benchIntermediate · A bench or box

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Standing straight up, lace your fingers together and open your palms to the ceiling. Keep your shoulders down as you extend your arms up.
To create a full torso stretch, pull your tailbone down and stabilize your torso as you do this. Stretch the muscles on both the front and the back of the torso.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Abs. Also: Chest, Forearms, Back, Triceps.

Equipment

Other / check instructions

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Seated Overhead Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSeated Overhead StretchBeginner · Other / check instructions

Standing Lateral Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding Lateral StretchBeginner · Other / check instructions

Overhead Triceps Stretch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoOverhead Triceps StretchBeginner · No equipment

Boat pose (Navasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBoat pose (Navasana)Intermediate · No equipment

Revolved chair pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRevolved chair pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)Intermediate · No equipment

Staff pose (Dandasana) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStaff pose (Dandasana)Beginner · No equipment

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Overhead Stretch work?

Mainly the abs, with help from the chest, forearms, back and triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Overhead Stretch?

Other / check instructions.

Is the Overhead Stretch good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Overhead lat stretch at a bench.

How do I make the Overhead Stretch harder?

Progress to the Overhead lat stretch at a bench, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.