Male model ex_4C3BOC

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Back · Body Weight

Ceiling Look Stretch

beginnerflexibility

Ceiling Look Stretch is a beginner isolation flexibility exercise that works the spine (back), with the chest and neck assisting. It needs only a mat. A typical prescription is 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds, and it burns about 3.1 calories per minute.

Target
Spine
Body part
Back
Equipment
Body Weight
Category
Flexibility
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Static
Sets × reps
2-3 × 30-60 sec hold
Calories / min
≈ 3.1 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Lower Back · Lower Back
  • Abdominals · Abdominals

Secondary muscles

  • Chest · Chest
  • Neck · Neck

How to do Ceiling Look Stretch

  1. Begin in a tabletop position on all fours, with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and your knees aligned under your hips.
  2. Slowly lift your torso upwards, arching your back gently and leaning backward.
  3. Allow your hands to slide down to your legs, supporting your upper body as you look up towards the ceiling.
  4. Hold this position for the desired duration and slowly return to the starting tabletop position. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

  • Breathe deeply and evenly, inhaling as you lift your torso and exhaling as you return to the starting position.
  • Avoid forcing the stretch; only lean back as far as is comfortable without causing pain.
  • Use a mat or cushion under your knees for added comfort and support.
  • Perform this stretch to enhance flexibility in your spine and relieve tension in your chest and neck.

Ceiling Look Stretch alternatives

More spine exercises

Ceiling Look Stretch FAQ

What muscles does Ceiling Look Stretch work?

Ceiling Look Stretch mainly works the spine in the back (Lower Back and Abdominals). The chest and neck work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Ceiling Look Stretch?

You need only a mat.

How many sets and reps of Ceiling Look Stretch should I do?

Start with 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Ceiling Look Stretch good for beginners?

Yes. Ceiling Look Stretch is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the spine.

How many calories does Ceiling Look Stretch burn?

About 3.1 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 2.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 31 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Ceiling Look Stretch?

Other exercises for the spine include Exercise Ball Back Stretch, Exercise Ball Lower Back Dynamic Stretch, Exercise Ball Lower Back Prone Stretch and Barbell Good Morning.

For developers

Use Ceiling Look Stretch in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_4C3BOC" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_4C3BOC",
  "name": "Ceiling Look Stretch",
  "model": "male",
  "target": "Spine",
  "equipment": "Body Weight",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_4C3BOC/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_4C3BOC/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}