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There really is nothing more satisfying than finding that <em>ahhh</em>-inducing lower back stretch—so ease into these expert-recommended moves (right from your bedroom, if you like) for relief rn and learn <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a43144145/stretching-exercises-routine/” target=”_blank”>how to stretch</a> properly.</p>” />
Cat Cow
How to:
- Start on hands and knees with elbows and wrists below shoulders, knees below hips, and toes untucked.
- On an inhale, drop stomach and arch back to lift tailbone and chest towardsthe ceiling and look up.
- Then, on an exhale, pull navel to spine and tuck chin and pelvis toward navel to round back. Continue alternating for at least 30 seconds.
Pro tip: Initiate the movement at tailbone and allow spine, neck, and head to follow.
Why it rocks: Cat cow targets the whole spinal segment. “The more that you can control the whole spinal complex, the better,” Yu says.
Low Lunge Twist
How to:
- Start in a low lunge with left foot forward, palms on either side, and right leg extended straight back with toes planted.
- Draw left arm straight up overhead toward ceiling and rotate torso from waist to gaze up at hand. Hold for at least 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Why it rocks: The position of this stretch can help create more stability of the trunk, especially when you activate your core.
Knee To Chest
How to:
- Lay face up on the mat with both legs extended and arms resting at sides.
- Bend right knee and gently pull the back of thigh using both hands and bring knee toward chest.
- Hug it in and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
Why it rocks: This is a great stretch for everyday pain, reaching from the back of the hip into your lower back musculature. You can start or end or day with it, especially if you’re feeling any stiffness or tightness.
Knee To Opposite Chest
How to:
- Lay face up on the mat with both legs extended and arms resting at sides.
- Bend right knee and hold behind the thigh, pulling toward the left shoulder. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
Why it rocks: This stretch targets the piriformis and lateral (outer) hip musculature to help with pain.
Thread The Needle
How to:
- Start on all fours with knees wider than hips and wrists under shoulders.
- Lift right hand and slide along floor behind left wrist until right shoulder rests on floor.
- Reverse the movement and lift right arm into air, rotating torso and head to gaze up at hand. Hold for at least 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Why it rocks: This movement targets the thoracic spine, or your upper back. “If you usually have any lower back discomfort, there could potentially be some thoracic mobility deficiencies, as well,” Yu says. Improving your upper back range of motion can help.
Spinal Twist
How to:
- Start lying on left side with legs bent and both arms straight, right resting on top of left. Shoulders and hips should be stacked.
- Keeping left arm on floor and legs stationary, open right arm across body.
- Pause and hold once right arm rests on floor on right side of body, in line with shoulder. Hold for at least 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Why it rocks: This stretch helps with upper back mobility, which people with lower back pain can definitely benefit from.
Figure Four Windshield Wipers
- Lay on your back with both knees bent and feet placed down on the ground about hips-distance apart.
- Cross right leg over the left into a figure four position with ankle resting on thigh.
- Drop the leg complex over to left side as far as you can and pause.
- Rotate all the way to the right side until right knee rests on ground. Do 8 to 12 reps before switching sides.
Why it rocks: This figure four variation stretches both the sides and the lower back. It’s great if you feel like one side of your back is a bit stiffer or tighter than the other.
Freelance Writer
Alexa is a Denver-based writer and editor who covers all things health and wellness, lifestyle, travel, and beauty. When she’s not writing, you can find her sweating it out at boxing or Pilates, planning her next travel adventure, or drinking red wine.
Lauren is a freelance writer and editor, an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, and the Fitness & Wellness Editor of Women’s Health. You’ll find her hiking, lifting weights, working on her downward dog, or perusing the farmer’s market.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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