Appears in642 Workouts*

Alternating Seated Arm Rotation

Improve upper body mobility! Gentle seated rotations enhance flexibility in your arms, shoulders, and core.

The Alternating Seated Arm Rotation mainly works the chest and core, with help from the back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Alternating Seated Arm Rotation Muscles Worked

Primary

Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head); Obliques

Secondary

Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

How to do the Alternating Seated Arm Rotation

  1. Equipment: No equipment is required for this exercise. Just a comfortable, flat surface to sit on.

  2. Starting Position:

    • Sit comfortably on the floor in a cross-legged position.

    • Keep your back straight and relax your shoulders.

    • Place your hands on your knees or thighs.

  3. Arm Positioning:

    • Extend both arms out to your sides at shoulder height, keeping them parallel to the ground.

  4. Movement:

    • Slowly rotate your torso to the right while keeping your arms extended.

    • As you rotate, turn your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this position for a moment.

    • Return to the starting position by rotating your torso back to the front.

    • Repeat the same movement to the left side, looking over your left shoulder. Hold for a moment.

    • Return to the starting position again.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Perform 5-10 rotations to each side, making sure to breathe deeply and maintain a steady rhythm.

  6. Tips:

    • Focus on keeping your movements slow and controlled to avoid straining your muscles.

    • If you feel any discomfort, reduce the range of motion or take a break.

Alternating Seated Arm Rotation FAQs

What muscles does the Alternating Seated Arm Rotation work?

The Alternating Seated Arm Rotation mainly works the chest and core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the pectoralis major and obliques.

What equipment do you need for the Alternating Seated Arm Rotation?

None. The Alternating Seated Arm Rotation is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Alternating Seated Arm Rotation variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Bodyweight Around-Head Rotation, Arm Child Pose Rotation, Figure-4 Spinal Rotation and Arm Front-Back Rotation.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.