Move of the month: Crescent stretch
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
This simple yoga pose stretches the sides of your torso and also helps strengthen your core. (If you have back problems or recently had abdominal surgery, check with your doctor before doing this move.)
Starting position: Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Relax your arms at your sides.
Movement: As you inhale, raise your right arm overhead, drawing your fingertips and the crown of your head toward the ceiling. As you exhale, bend to the left. Hold for three to five breaths. On an inhale, straighten your body. Lower your arm as you exhale. Repeat, raising your left arm and bending to the right. Repeat the stretch three to five times on each side.
Tips and techniques:
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and down, away from your ears.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your back.
Make it harder: Raise both arms overhead. You'll need to engage your core muscles more since you won't have a hand down to support you. Or you can also try this pose while standing, which will challenge your balance and concentration.
Exercise photos by Michael Carroll
About the Author

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer

Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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