09/02/2025
The Mermaid stretch’s primary focus is improving spinal mobility and lateral flexibility. It targets the obliques, allowing your torso to bend side-to-side, helping to lengthen the spine and reduce tension in the lower back.
Why this matters:
▪ The obliques play a key role in side bending used for every day movements like reaching overhead, carrying groceries and getting out of a chair.
▪ By stretching these muscles, you improve your spine's flexibility, reduce tension, and create more space in your back, allowing for easier movement.
Another key benefit of the Mermaid is how it stretches the intercostal muscles—the muscles between your ribs. When these muscles are stretched, your ribcage expands, encouraging better thoracic mobility and promoting deeper, more efficient breaths.
Why this matters:
▪ Tight intercostal muscles can restrict lung expansion, limiting your ability to take full, deep breaths. By stretching these muscles, you create more space in the ribcage, allowing for better lung capacity and more efficient breathing. This is especially important for overall health and energy levels.