Before beginning the side stretch, warm the back and arms up by doing a short set of back twists on both sides, and by reaching up and over the head allowing the arms to stretch before bringing them back down. It is important to warm the body up and prepare it for physical activity, as this can help to prevent muscle strains and injuries during the stretch series.c

Begin the side stretch by standing upward, with the head facing forward, and the arms resting at your sides. Reach above the head with one arm. Using the arm to reach up and over, lean toward the opposite side. Be sure that you are not twisting your upper body in an attempt to pull the stretch lower. Once a comfortable stretch has been achieved, hold this position for 20 seconds. Repeat the stretch on the opposite arm. Continue this combination until the series has been completed.c c

If you would prefer to stretch both arms simultaneously, reach both arms above the head, ensuring that the shoulders do not shrug. Once your arms have reached a comfortable stretch, reach up and over to one side of the body, making sure not to twist the body as you reach over. Hold this position for 20 seconds, before releasing and returning to the resting position. Repeat this stretch, alternating on both sides, until the series has been completed.c