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World's Greatest Stretch

Beginner
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A dynamic full-body mobility exercise that integrates lunge, twist, and reach to target hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders for improved flexibility and stability; ideal as a warm-up to prepare movement patterns.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Secondary Muscles

Quads, Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Chest, Shoulders, Lower Back, Calves

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Mobility
Stability

Training Style

Yoga
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

7/10

Transverse Abdominis

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Quads

5/10

Rectus Femoris

Hip Flexors

5/10

Iliopsoas

Hamstrings

4/10

Chest

4/10

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Calves

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

5-10 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Start in a high plank position with hands under shoulders, body in a straight line, and core engaged. Step one foot forward outside the hand into a lunge.

  1. Step forward with right foot outside right hand, bending knee to 90 degrees over ankle, back leg straight.
  2. Lower right elbow toward floor inside front foot for deeper hip stretch.
  3. Lift right hand upward, rotating chest open through thoracic spine, eyes following hand.
  4. Lower hand back to floor.
  5. Optional: Drop back knee, shift hips back to straighten front leg for hamstring stretch.
  6. Return front foot to plank position.
  7. Repeat on left side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep hips square
  • Engage core tight
  • Rotate from upper back
  • Front knee over ankle
  • Eyes follow hand

Breathing

Inhale as you reach arm up and rotate; exhale as you lower and return to start. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Front knee to 90 degrees, back leg straight; rotate thoracic spine fully without lumbar involvement, arm reaches overhead.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or back pain present
  • Keep front knee aligned over ankle
  • Do not force rotation into pain
  • Use modifications for limited mobility

Spotting

Not required; self-paced bodyweight movement.

Common Mistakes

  • Twisting from lower back
  • Knee past toes
  • Core disengaged
  • Hips rotating instead of square
  • Overextending neck

When to Avoid

  • Acute hip or knee injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic hip flexion
  • Thoracic spine rotation
  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees

Build Up First

  • Can hold plank position
  • Basic lunge form

Also known as

Worlds Greatest Stretch, Full Body Dynamic Lunge Twist

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