How to Do Stretching Exercises for the Abs and Stomach Muscles

Keep your stomach muscles relaxed by stretching before and after a workout. Stretched muscles respond better to exercise and are less likely to be sore after a workout. You use your core during weight lifting, running, jogging and other fitness activities. Even if you aren't actively exercising your abs, they're going to be used during your workout. Give them the stretching that they need following these guidelines.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Elongate your spine by standing tall and breathing deeply. Keep your feet together or hip width apart. Lift your arms up over your head slowly as you take a deep breath. Lower your arms as you exhale. You'll feel this stretch through your stomach.

2. Raise your arms up over your head and gently lean back. Inhale deeply as you lean as far back as you comfortably can. The front of your stomach will feel stretched as you lean back.

3. Kneel on the ground. Use an exercise mat to protect your knees as you perform this stretch. Put your hands on the back of your hips and lean back gently. Lean as far back as you can to get a good stretch.

4. Lie flat on the ground with your arms out in front of you. Lift your upper body up onto your elbows. Look up as you extend yourself back further. Walk your hands to one side to stretch the obliques. Walk your hands to the other side to stretch the obliques on the opposite side of your abs.

Tips & Warnings

• Warm up before stretching. 5 minutes of moderate cardio exercise will warm you up enough to safely stretch.
• Hold all of your stretches for at least 30 seconds.

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