Thoracic lateral flexion bends your upper body sideways. This movement expands ribs on the stretched side, affecting breathing. These exercises restore side-bending mobility. Get personalized mobility routines: Start your 14-day free trial Why This Matters Lateral flexion expands the rib cage and affects breath capacity. Asymmetric tension creates imbalance. Maintaining side-bending mobility enables full breathing and balanced spinal movement. The Exercises Practice these exercises with control. Move slowly 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 Reach up and over for side-bending stretch Breathe into the stretched side to expand ribs Both sides typically differ; address each Seated or standing versions both work Combine with rotation for complete thoracic mobility How Often to Practice Practice daily as part of thoracic mobility routine. Include in breathing practice. 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