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Open Book Stretch

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Open Book Stretch.

EasyAbsFront shoulders

About this exercise

The Open Book Stretch is a thoracic mobility drill performed lying on your side. You rotate your top arm and chest open toward the floor behind you, mimicking the action of opening a book, which releases tightness in the chest, obliques, and thoracic spine.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your side with your hips and knees bent to 90 degrees, arms extended in front of you at chest height
  • Keep your bottom arm on the floor and your knees stacked and pressed together
  • Slowly rotate your top arm up and over, following it with your eyes and chest until your upper back approaches the floor
  • Let your top arm rest or hover near the floor at the end range — breathe and hold briefly
  • Return your top arm back to the starting position
  • Complete all reps on one side, then switch sides

Muscle Activation

Primary
AbsFront shouldersUpper chestMiddle chestObliques

About the Open Book Stretch

The Open Book Stretch is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.

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