How to Lose Your Spare Tire by Stretching

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By Maureen Crandall
eHow Contributing Writer

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Here's an easy stretch to tighten up the obliques and help you lose that spare tire once and for all.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Stand up straight, with your feet just greater than hip-width apart.
Step 2

Place both hands on the back of your head.Your elbows should be straight out to the sides.
Step 3

With your elbows straight, slowly (and using controlled motion) stretch and bend your waist to the right side and attempt to bring the right elbow pointing towards the floor. Hold the stretch for five seconds. This requires focus and balance.
Step 4

Come up to the original position, with your hands behind your head. Now bend to the left. Be sure to keep your elbows straight. As you bend, do not come forward. Be sure you feel the stretch at your waistline. Hold the stretch again.
Step 5

Repeat the stretch from right to left, five times on each side. This is more difficult than it looks, but it really zeroes in on that oblique area and tightens it up!

Tips & Warnings

Always keep your stomach muscles contracted and use proper posture when performing this stretch.
Do not overextend the stretch. Only bend as far as you comfortably can. Listen to your body!
If standing is too awkward and you cannot balance, then sit down with your legs folded and perform the stretch.

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