StyrkiStyrki
AI CoachExercisesBlogHelp Center
Sign inGet the app
StyrkiStyrki
AI Coach|Exercises|PB Tracker|Blog|Help Center|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service

© 2026 Styrki. All rights reserved.

Exercise Library/Glutes/Body weight/Spinal Twist - Single Leg
Back to Library

Spinal Twist - Single Leg

BWBodyweightUnilateralStretch

No video available

The Spinal Twist - Single Leg is a bodyweight stretch exercise performed unilaterally by lying on your back, lifting one leg across the body while twisting the torso and using the opposite arm to deepen the spinal rotation. Its primary purpose is to enhance thoracic mobility, relieve spinal tension, and improve rotational flexibility. It targets the glutes, chest, shoulders, and back, benefiting athletes, desk workers, or anyone seeking better posture and injury prevention through dynamic stretching.

How to Perform Spinal Twist - Single Leg

  1. 1Lie on your back with legs extended, arms outstretched to the sides at shoulder height, palms facing up.
  2. 2Bend your right knee and hug it toward your chest with both hands, keeping your left leg straight on the floor.
  3. 3Inhale deeply to prepare, then exhale as you guide the right knee across your body toward the left side using your left hand.
  4. 4Extend your right arm out to the side and follow it with your head, turning your gaze toward the right hand.
  5. 5Hold the twist for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply and relaxing into the stretch.
  6. 6Inhale to return the right leg to center, then switch sides by bending the left knee.
  7. 7Repeat the twist on the left side, exhaling as you cross the knee and turning your head right.
  8. 8Key form tips: Keep both shoulders pressed into the floor; avoid forcing the knee past your comfort level; engage your core lightly to protect the spine. Common mistakes: Lifting the opposite shoulder or rushing the hold.

Muscles Worked

Front

Back

Primary
Secondary
Primary
GlutesChestShouldersBack

Equipment Required

Body weight0

Track this exercise

Log your sets, track PRs, and monitor progress with Styrki.

Start tracking free

Quick answers

What muscles does Spinal Twist - Single Leg work?
Spinal Twist - Single Leg primarily targets the Glutes, Chest, Shoulders, Back.
What equipment do I need for Spinal Twist - Single Leg?
Spinal Twist - Single Leg is a bodyweight exercise. No additional equipment is required, though you may add resistance for progression.
Is Spinal Twist - Single Leg a unilateral exercise?
Yes, Spinal Twist - Single Leg is a unilateral exercise, meaning it works one side of your body at a time. This helps identify and correct muscle imbalances between your left and right sides.
How do I perform Spinal Twist - Single Leg correctly?
Spinal Twist - Single Leg is performed in 8 steps. Start by: Lie on your back with legs extended, arms outstretched to the sides at shoulder height, palms facing up. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
What type of exercise is Spinal Twist - Single Leg?
Spinal Twist - Single Leg is a stretch exercise. It primarily works the Glutes, Chest, Shoulders, Back.

More Glutes Exercises

View All

Cable Pull Through

Glutes
Cable

Frog Pump

Glutes
BW
Glute Bridge demonstration
Video

Glute Bridge

Glutes
BW

Learn More

View all training guides

Let AI program your Spinal Twist - Single Leg

Styrki picks your Spinal Twist - Single Leg sets, weights and progression with adaptive periodization — and auto-detects PRs across 8 record types. Free to track, free forever.

Get the iPhone appFree beta via Apple TestFlight · install takes about a minute

Browse more exercises