Appears in642 Workouts*

Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation

Tone your back & shoulders with a slight squat & twist. Strengthen your core & improve posture. Do it!

The Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation is a compound exercise that mainly works the core and back, with help from the traps. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation Muscles Worked

Primary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Lats (latissimus dorsi)

Secondary

Obliques; Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)

How to do the Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Your toes should be pointing slightly outward.

    • Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.

  2. Squatting:

    • Begin by bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if you are sitting into a chair.

    • Lower yourself into a slight squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground or as low as comfortable.

    • Ensure that your knees are aligned with your toes and do not extend past them.

  3. Rotating:

    • While in the squat position, raise your arms out to the sides to shoulder height, palms facing down.

    • Rotate your upper body to the right, reaching your right arm toward your right side while keeping your left arm extended outward.

    • Hold this position for a moment, engaging your core and feeling the stretch in your back and shoulders.

  4. Return to Center:

    • Bring your torso back to center and lower your arms back down to your sides.

    -

  5. Standing Up:

    • Push through your heels to stand back up, straightening your legs as you return to the starting position.

  6. Repeat:

    • Perform the same sequence, but this time rotate to the left.

    • Alternate between right and left rotations for a series of repetitions, aiming for 8-10 on each side.

Tips:

  • Maintain a straight back throughout the movement, avoiding any rounding of your spine.

  • Keep your head up and gaze forward to help maintain balance.

  • Move slowly and with control to maximize benefits and reduce the risk of injury.

Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation FAQs

What muscles does the Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation work?

The Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation mainly works the core and back, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi.

What equipment do you need for the Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation?

None. The Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

Is the Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Back & Shoulder Slight-Squat Rotation variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Bodyweight Around-Head Rotation, Arm Child Pose Rotation, Alternating Seated Arm Back & Archer Rotation and Shoulder Rotation.

Training calculators

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