Abs stretch

Give your hard-working tummy and core muscles a treat with this abs stretch.

Stretching all over is important, but the abs need a little extra attention if you do a lot of tummy exercises or spend a significant amount of time sitting down.

The abs stretch does so much more than what it says on the tin: it opens up the whole front side of your mid-section including your shoulders and chest – a must if you’re a sloucher or have become particularly tight by sitting in front of a computer all day.

Try this stretch a few times a week, holding for 15-20 seconds each time.

Instructions
Start lying down on your front, then place your hands on the floor under you shoulders and push your upper body off the ground, keeping the hips in contact with the floor.

Roll your shoulders back and look up to the ceiling, allowing your lower back to bend.

Hold.

Top tips:
After holding for the allotted time, relax then try again.