Appears in642 Workouts*

Chair Seated Upright Twist

Improve spine flexibility with the Chair Seated Upright Twist! A gentle exercise you can do anywhere to boost mobility.

The Chair Seated Upright Twist mainly works the core, with help from the back. You'll need: chair.

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Required Equipment

Chair
Chair

Chair Seated Upright Twist Muscles Worked

Primary

Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

Secondary

Deep Core (transverse abdominis); Lats (latissimus dorsi)

How to do the Chair Seated Upright Twist

  1. Starting Position:

    • Sit upright on the chair with your feet flat on the ground, about hip-width apart. Ensure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed.

    • Place your hands behind your head, gently supporting your neck. Keep your elbows wide.

  2. Engaging Your Core:

    • Take a deep breath in and engage your abdominal muscles. This will help stabilize your core during the movement.

  3. Twisting Movement:

    • Slowly twist your torso to the right side. Keep your hips facing forward as you initiate the twist from your waist.

    • Look over your right shoulder as you twist to deepen the stretch.

    • Hold this position for 1-2 seconds.

  4. Returning to Center:

    • Gently unwind and return to the starting position, resting your hands behind your head again.

  5. Repeat on the Other Side:

    • Now twist your torso to the left side, looking over your left shoulder.

    • Hold this position for 1-2 seconds.

  6. Repetitions:

    • Perform 10-15 twists on each side, ensuring that the movements are controlled and smooth.

  7. Breathing:

    • Breathe out as you twist and breathe in as you return to the center.

  8. Cool Down:

    • After completing the repetitions, take a moment to sit upright with your back straight and breathe deeply to relax.

Tips for Beginners:

  • Start with a small range of motion and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

  • Avoid forcing the twist; focus on the stretch and maintaining good posture throughout the movement.

Chair Seated Upright Twist FAQs

What muscles does the Chair Seated Upright Twist work?

The Chair Seated Upright Twist mainly works the core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Chair Seated Upright Twist?

Chair.

What are some Chair Seated Upright Twist variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Chair Air Bike, Barbell Seated Twist, Chair Diagonal in Out and Chair Revolved.

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