A lateral stretch is a standing exercise that involves lifting one arm to head height and reaching it up and over your head.

This exercise is great because:

It stretches the side of the body: which is often neglected but commonly tight from workouts and poor posture.

It can be done anywhere: you need no kit, and it’s even an office-friendly yoga posture as it requires no eye-raising positioning.

It can reduce pain: if your back is feeling stiff and sore from sitting all day, a side stretch can ease lateral flexion of the spine.

Move of the week: break up your day with a standing lateral stretch