Despite its name, the abdominal lat stretch targets more than just your lats. It's also an effective stretch for your obliques. To perform this stretch correctly, you need assistance from a stability ball. Place the ball on the floor and position the side of your upper body on the top of the ball while spreading your feet, one in front of the other, on the floor for balance. Set your bottom hand on the floor to improve your balance and reach your top arm over and past your head until you feel a stretch in your obliques. Keep your head in line with your torso. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then switch sides.
Many golfers use the back and oblique stretch before a round of golf, but you don't need to be getting ready to tee off to benefit from it. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width and hold a long golf club, such as a driver, in your hands with your arms stretched above your head. Contract your core muscles and rotate your upper body to the left and then bend your body forward at a 45-degree angle. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then switch sides. If you don't have a golf club, use a common household object such as a broom.
The seated oblique stretch requires a chair, but specifically a chair without arm rests to allow you to rotate to each side. Sit squarely in the chair and while keeping your back elongated and your head square, inhale and turn your upper body to the left as far as you can. When you've turned as far as you're able, exhale and see if you can turn even more to the left during the exhale. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Do dynamic stretches before your workout and do static stretches after you've finished exercising. Dynamic oblique stretches, which don't typically require assistance, include stretches such as side bends and hip circles. Dynamic stretches help warm up your muscles by putting them through their full range of motion. Static stretches, which you hold, improve your flexibility and relax your muscles. Always hold stretches for 30 seconds; holding them for less time won't provide adequate benefits, while holding them longer puts you at risk of straining the muscle.
