Reclining Lower Trunk Extensor Stretch

Lower-Trunk Stretches:

Method:
Lie on the back with the legs extended. Flex the knees and hips, bringing the knees up over the chest. Cross the feet at the ankles and separate the knees so that they are at least shoulder-width apart. Grasp the thighs at the inside of the knees and pull the legs down to the chest.

Affected Body Part:
Most-stretched muscles: Iliocostalis lumborum, multifidus.
Lesser-stretched muscles: Interspinales, rotatores, spinalis thoracis.

Remember that hyperflexion can injure the spinal cord. When doing this exercise, go slowly and do not let the back become straight. To prevent a straight back, allow the spinal column to curl, and raise the buttocks off the floor. Also, do not try to bring the knees too far below the chest (do not try to touch the knees to the floor).