List of good abdominal stretches you can do.List of good abdominal stretches you can do. All abdominal stretching exercises can be done at home or at the gym. Many individuals stretch their hamstrings, quads and back muscles. While stretching those muscle groups many people ignore abdominal stretches. Just like any muscle, you should include abs in your stretching and exercise routine. There are several muscles that make up the abdominals. The middle part of your torso is called your rectus abdominis. The abs muscles on the sides of your torso are the external obliques and internal obliques. You can stretch these muscles without weights or a stability ball. Most abdominal stretches are static where you are still while performing the stretch. 

 

Elongation Stretch

Abdominal Stretches

Slowly straighten both legs. With your arms overhead, reach out with your hands while pointing your toes. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 3 times. Each time you stretch, gently pull in your abdominal muscles to make the middle of your body thin. This feels really good. It stretches your arms, shoulders, spine, abdominals, as well as muscles of the rib cage, feet, and ankles. This is a great stretch to do first thing in the morning while still in bed. 

Ball Side Stretch

Abdominal Stretches
Primary Muscle Group: Abdominals

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise:

Preparation: Stand with your feet directly underneath your hips. Hold the ball and extend your arms overhead, remembering to relax your shoulders down away from your ears. Inhale and firm your abs and lengthen your spine.

Breathing: Inhale as you firm your abs and exhale as you bend.

Ball Torso Stretch

Abdominal Stretches

Primary Muscle Group: Chest, Shoulders, Sides, Back and Legs

Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise:

Preparation: Stand with your feet directly under your hips. Position the ball in front of you and bend forward from your hips and place your palms on the ball.

Abdomen Stretch

Abdominal Stretches

Illustration of abdominal stretch exercise.In stretching the abdomen, almost the entire body is stretched to some degree. In this stretch, lie flat on the floor (to unload your spine) with your arms over your head. Extend your arms and shoulders, while arching your back. This is a subtle stretch, but a good one to include in your routine.