Exercise
Rotational chest lift that adds oblique work to foundational abdominal training.
Setup instructions
Lie on your back with knees bent and hands behind the head. Lift to a small chest lift with a long neck. Keep the pelvis quiet and the low back long.
Breathing cues
Exhale to rotate. Inhale through center.
Movement steps
- 1Exhale to rotate the rib cage toward one hip.
- 2Inhale to return to center.
- 3Exhale to rotate to the other side.
- 4Keep the elbows wide and avoid pulling the head.
Common mistakes
Pulling the head with the hands; collapsing the chest; letting the pelvis rock; rushing the twist.
Safety notes
Keep rotation modest if the neck or back complains. Master chest lift first.
Connections
Related exercises
FAQs
Is Chest Lift with Rotation beginner-friendly?
Yes, after basic chest lift feels comfortable.
What muscles does Chest Lift with Rotation work?
Obliques and deep abdominals rotate the trunk; hip flexors stabilise the lower body.
What is Chest Lift with Rotation good for?
It introduces rotational core control in a manageable range.
Should my elbows touch the knee?
No. Rotate the rib cage; the connection should be controlled, not forced.
Plan your class
Turn saved exercises into a class plan
Save exercises from the library, then build a reformer class plan with cues, timings, reps, and teaching notes.