Seated spinal twist

Twists are for the mid-back more than the low back. Done tall, they undo the one-direction sitting most people do toward a mouse.

back · easy · desk-friendly

Hold. 25 seconds, each side, 2 rounds.
Also involves. neck.

Why this one exists

Twists are for the mid-back more than the low back. Done tall, they undo the one-direction sitting most people do toward a mouse.

Set up

Sit on a chair with both sit bones even. Or sit on the floor with the right foot outside the left thigh.

Steps

  1. Inhale and sit taller.
  2. Exhale and turn the breastbone to the right. Let the head follow last.
  3. Use the chair back as a light anchor, not a lever.
  4. Untwist with the same height you started with, then switch.

What you should feel

A spiral through the ribs. The low belly stays quiet.

Skip if it hurts

Skip deep twists after recent spinal surgery or if rotation recreates sciatica. Stay in a tiny range.

Common mistakes

Do not yank the neck past the ribs. The eyes do not need to go farther than the chest.

Nearby in the library

backCat-cowbackChild’s posebackKnees to chest

All stretches · Today’s routine

Not medical advice. Stretchcrafters is a movement library, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Stop if something hurts, and talk to a clinician if you have an injury, unexplained pain, or a condition that changes what is safe for you.