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Exercise guide

Seated Spinal Twist

A seated rotation that stretches the obliques, mid-back and glutes by twisting toward a bent knee.

What this exercise works

Muscles
erector spinae · obliques · gluteus maximus
Goals
mobility
Equipment
No equipment
Category
Stretching
Difficulty
beginner

Demonstration

Seated Spinal Twist Step 1

Step 1

How to perform the movement

  1. Sit with one leg straight and cross the other foot over it.
  2. Brace the opposite elbow against the outside of the bent knee.
  3. Rotate your torso toward the bent knee and look over your shoulder.
  4. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, breathing steadily.
  5. Switch sides and repeat.

Technique cues and common mistakes

  • Sit tall and lengthen your spine before twisting.
  • Twist from the mid-back, not the lower back.

This is general movement information. It is not medical advice or an individual prescription.

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