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Exercise guide
Cobra Stretch
A prone backbend that stretches the abdominals and front of the torso by lifting the chest.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- rectus abdominis · hip flexors · transverse abdominis
- Goals
- mobility
- Equipment
- No equipment
- Category
- Stretching
- Difficulty
- beginner
Demonstration
Step 1
How to perform the movement
- Lie face down with your hands under your shoulders.
- Press through your hands to lift your chest off the floor.
- Keep your hips and legs on the floor, shoulders relaxed.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, breathing steadily.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Keep your elbows slightly bent — do not force full extension.
- Draw your shoulders down away from your ears.