Knee-to-chest stretch

Knee-to-chest stretch

The knee-to-chest stretch emphasizes the muscles of your lower back. To do this stretch:

• Lie on your back on a firm surface with the backs of your heels flat on the floor.
• Gently pull one knee up to your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower back.
• Keep the opposite leg relaxed in a comfortable position, with your knee bent or with your leg extended as shown.
• Bring the knee as close to your chest as comfortably possible.
• Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
• Switch legs and repeat.

Avoid the knee-to-chest stretch if you have osteoporosis. You may increase the risk of compression fractures in your vertebrae.