World's greatest stretch
The world's greatest stretch is a lunge with an upper-back turn, for the hips and upper back. From a lunge you lower one elbow inside your front foot, then turn your chest and reach that arm up. Use it before training or in a mobility session.
- Works
- Hips and upper back; also shoulders
- Time
- About 45 sec, alternating sides
- Kit
- None
- Intensity
- 3 of 5 on Prep's scale
How to do it
How to do the world's greatest stretch.
Alternate sides for about 45 seconds. Your raised arm does not have to point straight up.
Step 1
Step into a lunge
From a high plank, step your right foot outside your right hand. Keep both palms down and your back leg long, with the knee lifted.
Step 2
Lower your elbow
Keep your left palm planted. Bend your right arm and lower the elbow toward the inside of your right foot, only as far as comfortable. Pause for a breath.
Step 3
Open and reach
Keep your left palm planted and rotate your chest toward your right leg. Reach your right arm upward within a comfortable range, following the hand with your eyes.
Step 4
Return and switch
Lower your right hand to the floor, then step your right foot back to a high plank. Repeat on the left, alternating.
Form
World's greatest stretch form.
A stretch around the hips and groin with a comfortable turn through the chest.
Keep
- Set the lunge firstKeep the front foot planted before turning.
- Turn within your rangeYour raised arm does not have to point straight up.
- Bring the hand down firstThen step back and change sides.
Common mistakes
- Swinging the arm to twistTurn slowly through the chest.
- Forcing elbow-to-floor contact
- Easier version
- Lower the back kneeSupport the knee and use a smaller turn, or leave it out.
Questions
World's greatest stretch questions.
What does the world's greatest stretch work?
The world's greatest stretch works the hips and upper back, and also the shoulders.
What is the world's greatest stretch good for?
Prep uses the world's greatest stretch as a hip-and-chest mobility sequence, before training or during a mobility session.
How long should you do the world's greatest stretch?
Alternate sides for about 45 seconds. Your raised arm does not have to point straight up.
How do you make the world's greatest stretch easier?
Lower the back knee. Support the knee and use a smaller turn, or leave it out.
Alternatives
World's greatest stretch alternatives.
Similar moves
In these routines
More hip exercises
Do it timed, both sides.
Prep times it for you, shows the demo clip and plans your week around the areas you choose.