Standing extends the stomach. Try standing stomach exercises to stretch your abdominal muscles. How to Go About It: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms stretched above your head. Slowly arch your back while moving your arms back so your fingers point away from you behind your head. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Make sure not to round your back or bend at the waist during the stretch. Stretching the abdomen is important because it helps it grow. The more often you stretch the muscles, the easier it will be to reach their full potential. It's recommended to stretch every day; however, if you don't have time, that's okay. Just make sure you get into at least one stretching session each week. Stretching can be done manually or with equipment. Manual stretches are good for muscle relaxation and getting into positions that may be difficult using only your body weight. They're not as effective for growth of muscle tissue, but they can help with flexibility. Equipment stretches use springs, weights, pulleys, and other devices to provide additional pressure on specific areas of the body for better results. Abdominal stretches include the spider man, the butterfly, and the grapevine. Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. As you breathe in, lift your chest up and roll your shoulders back.