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Exercise guide

Overhead Stretch

How to do the Overhead Stretch with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundBeginnerStatic
Primary muscles

Abs

Secondary

Chest, Forearms, Lats, Triceps

Equipment

Bodyweight

Step by step

How to do the Overhead Stretch

  1. 1

    Standing straight up, lace your fingers together and open your palms to the ceiling. Keep your shoulders down as you extend your arms up.

  2. 2

    To create a full torso stretch, pull your tailbone down and stabilize your torso as you do this. Stretch the muscles on both the front and the back of the torso.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Overhead Stretch set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Overhead Stretch fits

The Overhead Stretch shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More abs exercises

FAQ

Overhead Stretch: common questions

What muscles does the Overhead Stretch work?

The Overhead Stretch primarily works the Abs. It also recruits the Chest, Forearms, Lats and Triceps as supporting muscles.

Is the Overhead Stretch suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Overhead Stretch is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Overhead Stretch?

None. The Overhead Stretch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.

Is the Overhead Stretch a compound or isolation exercise?

The Overhead Stretch is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the Overhead Stretch with correct form?

Standing straight up, lace your fingers together and open your palms to the ceiling. Keep your shoulders down as you extend your arms up. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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