Long Life Movement

woman in a side bend stretch while looking at a glacier lake and mountains in canada

Side Bend for More Length

< 1 read | February 4, 2019

Living without length and space in our bodies may create a lot of pain. From low back pain to digestive issues and difficulty getting a good breath in. And that’s why I love side bending.

Side bending, also known as lateral flexion, is a therapeutic staple. Lateral flexion has a number of benefits.

  • Improves pelvic-lumbar stability
  • Opens the musculature and tissue between your ribs assisting with more expansive inhalation
  • Creates space between the top of the pelvis and the bottom of the ribcage which helps with comfortable digestion
  • Keeps the joints of our spine lubricated through healthy movement
What are the primary muscles used for side bends?

The primary muscles used for lateral flexion are Internal Obliques, External Obliques, Quadratus Lumborum (QL) and the Erector Spinae The Erector Spinae is comprised of 3 muscle groups: Iliocostalis, Longissimus, Spinalis.

Lateral Flexion Exercises

While it is super important to practice lateral flexion while standing on your feet, props really help with lateral flexion. Props allow our spine to feel supported as we breathe. The muscles and tissue that support our spine move with each breath.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

about the author

Lisa Long, M.A.

Lisa Long wants to live in a world where Love gives you a "permission slip" to drop the mask and be who you are. Known for her hearty and full-body laugh, Lisa meets people where they are in the present moment. She passionately believes in the healing potential of movement. As a teacher and producer/writer, her work has been featured on Good For You blog, CBS television station affiliates, and telelvision cable channel networks as well her print manual called "Home Practice: A Guide for Healing from Breast Cancer" was published by a 5 hospital health care network. When she's not helping others reach their fullest potential, you'll find Lisa hiking a trail to a waterfall or riding her bike at the beach. Her latest collaboration with an online classroom platform launched in 2020.

Lisa's Offerings

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Leave your thoughts

Check These Out

Based on your interest, we've curated these articles just for you.

Foot Pain? Feel better ideas.

Do you have foot pain? Or are you trying to not have foot pain? Feel better with a few ideas. Disclaimer right off the top. Always talk with your medical and wellness team if you are in pain as well as if certain ideas are appropriate for you. If you’ve never experienced foot pain, you’re… View Article

3 min read

read
woman does plank on hike in mountains to stretch while walking

Stretches While Walking

Walking is the best exercise. To keep us on our feet and moving with ease, we often get tips for stretching before and after walking. For years, the rebel in me has been doing stretches while walking. Benefits of Walking Researchers promote walking as a terrific way to improve or maintain our overall well being…. View Article

5 min read

read
whole spices for chai tea on a blue place mat

Healing Elixir

This really is a magic potion. It’s decreased inflammation in my body, significantly. I started making and drinking this awesome healing elixir after a long month of travel. Sitting on airplanes and driving in cars can make my leg lock up. Below is the phenomenal recipe that may help you feel better, too. This recipe… View Article

8 min read

read