The iron cross stretch is a lying spinal twist where you lie face up with arms extended in a T shape, then bring one knee up and across your body to the opposite side. It is one of the most effective and accessible stretches for the lower back, glutes, and obliques. It is named for the cross-shape your body forms.
Muscle Group
Back, Hips
Equipment Required
Bodyweight
Type
Flexibility
Equipment
Band
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Benefits
- Stretches the lower back, glutes, and obliques
- Combines spinal twist with hip stretch
- Calming and restorative
- Excellent before sleep or as a cool-down
- No equipment needed
- One of the most effective spinal twists
How to perform
- Lie flat on your back with both legs extended.
- Extend both arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height — body forms a T or cross shape.
- Bend your right knee and bring it up toward your chest.
- Use your left hand to gently pull your right knee across your body to the left.
- Keep your right shoulder pressed into the floor — your hips will rotate but shoulders stay grounded.
- Look toward your right hand for added neck stretch.
- Feel the stretch through your right outer hip, lower back, and chest.
- Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
Chest
Primary
Lower Back
Primary
Obliques
Primary