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Exercise Demonstrations

Seated Torso Twists with Arms Extended
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Seated Torso Twists with Arms Extended Exercise

Starting Position

Hold a medicine ball (or dumbbell) and sit on the floor with shoulders relaxed, arms extended, legs hip-width apart, heels on the floor, knees bent and back straight. Pull your abs in tight, and with a straight back, lean back from the hips until you feel your abs engage (pictured).

Action

INHALE: Keeping feet off the floor, abs engaged, and arms extended, twist from the waist to the left side. EXHALE: Twist back to the center (starting position). INHALE: Twist to the right side. EXHALE: Return to the starting position to complete one rep.

Special Instructions

Keep your abs pulled in, shoulders relaxed, and feet off the floor. Focus on twisting from the waist, allowing your upper torso and arms to turn with you. Keep the lower body as still as possible. Keep your back long and flat at all times.

Make it easier: Don't lean back as far. Use a lighter weight or no weight. Hold the weight closer to your torso.

Make it harder: Lean back and/or twist farther. Lift one foot off the floor to increase the intensity and balance challenge.

Muscles Worked: Abs, Obliques