Chair Lower Back Stretch

What it is

This gentle seated stretch improves flexibility through your side body, without needing any special equipment. It primarily targets your latissimus dorsi, commonly known as your lats, and also provides a beneficial stretch to your lower back muscles. You will perform this movement by bending laterally while seated upright.

Technique tips

• Maintain an upright posture throughout the stretch.
• Actively reach your arm overhead, extending through your fingertips.
• Use your free hand to gently grip the chair for stability.
• Focus on feeling the stretch along your entire side body.
• Breathe slowly and deeply to help your muscles relax.
• Avoid any twisting; keep your hips and shoulders aligned.

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.