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Supine Spinal Twist

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Supine Spinal Twist.

EasyAbsObliques

About this exercise

The rotating stomach stretch is a floor-based stretch performed lying on your back where you draw one knee across the body to create a gentle rotational stretch through the obliques, lower back, and outer hip. It relieves tension along the entire lateral chain of the torso.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your back with your legs extended
  • Bend one knee and draw it toward your chest
  • Slowly guide the bent knee across your body toward the opposite side of the floor using your opposite hand
  • Extend the same-side arm out to the side at shoulder height to anchor your shoulder to the floor
  • Turn your head in the opposite direction from your knee for a full spinal rotation
  • Hold for 20–30 seconds while breathing deeply, allowing the stretch to deepen with each exhale
  • Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side

Muscle Activation

Primary
AbsObliques

About the Supine Spinal Twist

The Supine Spinal Twist is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.