Your obliques rotate and laterally flex your trunk. Sitting shortens them on one side. Athletic movements can overtighten them. These stretches restore oblique flexibility for free rotation and lateral movement. Get personalized mobility routines: Start your 14-day free trial Why This Matters Tight obliques restrict rotation and lateral flexion. This affects golf swings, throwing, running gait, and even breathing. Maintaining oblique flexibility enables full trunk movement. The Exercises Practice these exercises in sequence. Move with control and respect your current range. Exercise 1 JME 151 Either sitting or standing, extend one arm up over your head. Bend toward the other side for a gentle stretch in your side body. Return to the middle and repeat. Exercise 2 JME 157 Standing or sitting at your desk, raise one arm above your head. Rotate your upper body toward the other side for a gentle stretch and return to the middle. Exercise 3 JME 158 Sitting in your chair, extend one arm above your head and rotate your upper body toward the other side. Then, return that arm back to the middle and do the same thing for the other side. You should "flow" from side to side. Exercise 4 JME 160 Sitting in your chair, reach one arm toward the other ankle. Rotate enough to feel a gentle stretch in your side body and then return to the middle. Exercise 5 JME 161 Sitting in your chair, raise one arm above your head and rotate your upper body in the other direction to feel a gentle stretch in your side body. Tips for Success Side bending stretches obliques on the lengthened side Add rotation to access different oblique fibers Breathe into the stretched side Both sides may differ; address each Include after rotational sports or training How Often to Practice Stretch after rotational activities and daily for maintenance. Hold each side 30+ seconds. Build Your Mobility Practice Consistency produces results. simplmobility provides joint-specific routines in 2-3 minute sessions designed for busy professionals. Start Your Free Trial