Skip to content

Seated Twist

Obliques Stability ball
Exercise atlas

Step by step

How to perform

  1. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the outside of your left knee.
  2. Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee and your right hand on the floor behind you for support.
  3. As you exhale, gently twist your torso to the right, pushing your right knee with your left elbow, and look over your right shoulder.
  4. Hold this position for a few breaths, then slowly return to the starting position and repeat the exercise on the opposite side.

Overview

About this exercise

The Seated Twist is a beneficial exercise that primarily targets the core, enhancing flexibility and aiding digestion by stimulating internal organs. This exercise is ideal for everyone, including beginners and those with a sedentary lifestyle, as it can be easily performed on a chair or mat. Individuals may want to incorporate the Seated Twist into their routine to improve spinal mobility, reduce back pain, and promote overall wellness.

Coaching cues

Form tips

Gradual Twist

Don't force the twist. Instead, twist gradually from the base of your spine, moving upwards to your neck. This is where the rotation should be coming from, not your shoulders or neck.

Avoid Leaning Back

A common mistake is to lean back into the twist. Instead, you should be sitting up straight and using your core to twist. Leaning back can cause strain on the spine and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.

Breathing

Remember to breathe steadily throughout the exercise. Inhale to lengthen the spine and exhale to deepen the twist. Holding your breath can cause tension in the body, reducing the effectiveness of the stretch.

Keep exploring

Similar exercises.

Same primary muscle, with matching equipment first.