Brettzel Stretch with Cervical Rotation - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Brettzel Stretch with Cervical Rotation

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Brettzel Stretch with Cervical Rotation.

EasyQuadricepsObliques

About this exercise

The Brettzel with Head Turn is a lying mobility drill that simultaneously stretches the hip flexors, rotates the thoracic spine, and adds cervical rotation through a head turn. It is an effective way to address stiffness across multiple regions in a single position.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your side on a mat with your bottom leg straight and your top knee bent to approximately 90 degrees, anchored toward the floor
  • Hold your top knee down with your bottom hand to keep it in place
  • Extend your top arm forward, then rotate your torso and reach that arm up and behind you, opening your chest toward the ceiling
  • Once your chest is open, slowly turn your head in the same direction as your upper arm to add cervical rotation
  • Breathe deeply and hold the stretch for the prescribed time, letting each exhale deepen the rotation
  • Return to the start and switch sides

Muscle Activation

Primary
QuadricepsObliques
Secondary
HamstringsRear shouldersLower back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Brettzel Stretch with Cervical Rotation

The Brettzel Stretch with Cervical Rotation 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.