Research Corner - Q&A External Obliques Stretches by Annette Lang | Date Released : 19 Feb 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: I'm looking for an effective stretch for the external obliques. Can you help with any suggestions? Answer: The external obliques' action is to flex and rotate, so when you crunch and twist to the right, your external obliques on the left side are contracting. You could stretch those muscles by extending the spine and rotating to the left. A good exercise is from the Reebok RNT program called quadruped rotation and extension. You get on your hands and knees and put your left hand behind your head as low as you can get it. Then, without moving anything else, think of rotating your left elbow up to the ceiling and think of extending, or arching, at your thoracic spine. This is working against gravity. Another option working with gravity is to get on a physio-ball and arch backwards, bringing one arm up over your head, thinking of "rotating down into the ball" as you do it. One more thought is, many people are tight in the quadratus lumborum and may need that stretched in addition or more than their obliques. Back to top About the author: Annette Lang Annette Lang has been in the health and fitness industry since 1983, working in sales, education, management and personal training. She is one of the most sought-after presenters at health and fitness conferences in the US and abroad. She speaks on a variety of topics related to the education of fitness professionals, contributing to the integrity of the personal training business within health clubs. The conference groups include: Perform Better, The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), International Health and Racquet Sports Association (IHRSA), Club Industry, Towne Sports International (TSI) Summit, Reebok International, Sara’s City Workouts and more. In 2005, Annette presented at international conferences in Moscow and Portugal. Annette is a Reebok University Master Trainer and helped develop Reebok Reactive Neuromuscular Training (RNT), Reebok Core Training, Reebok One to One Flexibility Training and Reebok Deck Training. She presents for Free Motion Fitness exercise equipment and is one of the original authors for www.PTontheNET.com. Annette was on the original team of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute, developing and teaching the nationally recognized education program for Equinox personal trainers. Annette teaches at numerous health clubs on a regular basis, some of her programs being a standard component of the facilities’ education process. The clubs include Equinox, Crunch/Bally, Wellbridge, NY Health & Racquet and many private facilities. Trainers enjoy Annette’s practical way of teaching, making concepts easy to understand and relating topics to real life training on the gym floor. Annette works as a private trainer in New York City. Full Author Details Related content Content from Annette Lang There is no related content. 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