Seated Abdominal Twist

Obliques, AbsChair

Seated abdominal twists target the rectus abdominis and obliques while sitting on a chair. It improves thoracic spine mobility and strengthens the core from a stable seated position.

How to do it

1Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.

2Place your hands behind your head or cross your arms over your chest.

3Exhale and smoothly rotate your torso to one side using your abs, keeping your hips still.

4Return to center and rotate to the opposite side.

Common mistakes

Rotating your hips along with your torso, which unloads the abs.

Slouching your lower back during the twist, placing pressure on your spine.

Jerking or twisting too fast, losing control of the movement.

Breathing

Exhale as you rotate your torso. Inhale as you return to the center position.

Make it harder or easier

To make it easier, keep your hands on your thighs. To make it harder, place your hands behind your head and hold the twist briefly at peak rotation.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.