PILATES MOTION ATLAS

Side-Lying Lateral Stretch | Assisted stretch in 3D

Side-Lying Lateral Stretch: side-lying, side of the trunk, rib cage and pelvis. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

Pilates Motion Atlas editorial teamUpdated September 24, 2026

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A schematic 3D view of Side-Lying Lateral Stretch — One moment from the lesson model. Open 3D to follow the whole movement from any angle.

Position and focus

Side-lying · Side of the trunk, rib cage and pelvis

An assisted stretch for the side of the trunk, rib cage and pelvis, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.

Starting position

The client lies on the right side with the top arm reaching overhead. The trainer stands at the client's back and places the hands on the top edge of the pelvis and on the raised arm.

Movement phases

1. Support pelvis and arm

Lightly straighten the top leg and align the body in a straight line.

2. Lengthen the side

Slowly move the pelvis towards the feet and the arm towards the head, away from each other.

3. Check the response

Check the stretch along the upper side of the trunk and the breathing.

4. Return to the start

Relax the hands and return to the starting position.

What the trainer checks

Check that the body is not rolling forwards or backwards and that there is no pain in the shoulder.

Instructor information

Trainer position

Stand at the client's back.

Contact and support

Place the hands on the top edge of the pelvis and on the arm raised overhead.

Stabilisation

Bend the lower leg to steady the body.

Compensation

Rolling of the body forwards or backwards, shoulder pain, breath-holding.

Easier option

Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.

Cues and consent

Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.

Stop criteria

Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.

Caution

Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.

These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.

This lesson was put together for this site. It has not yet been reviewed by an expert.

Open in 3D