Sign in Subscribe

Try out the world's greatest stretch

Yes, it actually deserves the hype.

Shannon Kirk

Shannon Kirk

— 2 min read
Share
Try out the world's greatest stretch

I'm the World's Greatest Toasted Pecan Snacker. Anyone want to challenge me for that title?

A moniker like that leaves you expecting a lot. Demolishing a two-kg bag of nuts in one go, maybe, or an absolutely phenomenal stretch. Luckily, the World's Greatest Stretch delivers. Just one move, repeated 5-10 times on each side, and you get:

  • hip mobility
  • a hip flexor stretch (the top of your thigh that spends most of a seated day scrunched up)
  • a quad stretch on one side and some quad (and glute) strength on the other
  • a bit of a calf stretch if you bring your front knee forward
  • a chest opener
  • thoracic spine rotation
  • a good stretch for your shoulders and intercostals (the muscles between your ribs)

So…yeah. This one earns the title.

Today, I have three variations of the World's Greatest Stretch for you. You only need the 2-5 minutes you already have between meetings or errands—I even filmed in jeans to prove you don't need to squeeze in a trip to the change room!

Whichever version you pick, remember: deep, even breaths, inhaling as you twist open, exhaling as you close.

I always recommend keeping your fingers at your ear rather than arm long, so you aren’t tempted to fling back and overdo it. If you aren't wearing stiff pants, bring the knee forward over the toe for more ankle mobility, and stack your back heel over your back toes!

Version One: Classic, from the floor

0:00
/0:21

Version Two: Modified, with a block/book/step

0:00
/0:17

Version Three: Modified, with a bench/counter

0:00
/0:15

Love Fit to Work?

Now you can pop over to ko-fi.com to show your appreciate with a one-time tip!

Your support helps me continue offering free articles, videos, and programs! 💚

Support FTW

If you aren't ready to return to your desk when you're done, step your back leg to meet your front and sink your bum down into a deep squat. Shift side to side, let your heels be heavy, and use your desk/chair/floor for support if you need it. Deep squats are another essential piece we often miss in day-to-day life.

Once you try the World’s Greatest Stretch, hit “reply” and fill me in! I’d love to hear about which component was the biggest winner for you.

Questions? Hit me up! I’m always happy to recommend a few more stretches or quick exercises you can tack on to really make this one stick!

Thanks for getting moving with me today 🙂

Til next time,

stay strong, calm, and kind.

✌️ Shannon

Read more