How to do a Seated Twist
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Seated Twist
Workouts with Seated Twist
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Seated Twist is a core exercise that primarily targets the obliques. By sitting on the ground with your legs straight and twisting your torso, you engage and isolate your oblique muscles. This is a great exercise for improving rotational stability and building strength in your core, particularly for movements that involve twisting or turning.
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight out in front of you, toes pointed up.
- Raise your left leg, bend it at the knee, and cross it over your right leg—your left foot should be on the outside of your right knee, flat on the ground.
- With a straight back, twist your torso to the left from your lower back.
- Place your right elbow on the left side of your left knee, and use it to twist deeper into this stretch.
- Reach your left arm behind you, and post it on the ground for support.
- Turn your head such that you’re facing behind you.
- You should feel a slight stretch in your trunk, and may feel some stretching in your glutes or hips.
- Hold this position for the duration of the stretch.
- Stretch sides, and repeat.
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