After an intense session of core exercises, your abs are screaming for relief. Here are some stretches you can do right after working your abs to help relieve soreness the next day.
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How to Stretch Your Abs
Let Your Abs Say Ahh With These Stretches
Cobra
Cobra allows for a really intense stretch if you press your palms into the floor and lower your head behind you.
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Shoulder and Neck Stretching Backbend
Known as Half Wheel in the yoga world, this ab stretch will increase flexibility in your spine, and also stretch out your shoulders and the back of your neck.
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Child's Pose Against the Wall
Child's Pose is great for stretching the lower back, but if you rest your hands on a wall, you'll feel it in your shoulders and abs, too.
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One-Armed Camel
Here's a relaxing Camel variation that allows you to focus on one side of your belly, chest, and shoulders at a time.
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Extended Tabletop
Backbends stretch the abs and chest, and this variation is a little easier than doing Full Wheel, which allows you to hold it longer and get a deeper stretch in the front of the body. Be sure to do both sides.
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Cow Stretch
Letting your belly hang in this Cow Stretch is a great way to stretch the tummy muscles.
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Chest Opener on the Ball
This relaxing stretch on a stability ball feels good on your back, but also gives your abs, chest, and shoulders a wonderful stretch.
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