Back to library

Exercise Library

Bent Knee Lying Twist (Male)

A supine rotation stretch that mobilizes the lower back, obliques, and hip rotators by dropping bent knees to one side.

LegsBodyweightSupine spinal rotation
GoLightWeight mediabent-knee-lying-twist-male

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

ObliquesGlutes

Secondary

Spinal erectorsPiriformisHip external rotators

Equipment

Bodyweight

Pattern

Supine spinal rotation

Setup

  1. 01Lie on your back on a mat with arms out to the sides in a T position.
  2. 02Bend both knees and lift them over the hips, feet off the floor or flat.
  3. 03Press the shoulder blades and palms gently into the floor.
  4. 04Relax the neck and look straight up.

Execution

  1. 01Exhale and lower both knees together toward one side of the body.
  2. 02Let the hips roll while keeping both shoulders in contact with the floor.
  3. 03Hold the end position and breathe for 20 to 30 seconds.
  4. 04Bring the knees back to center and repeat on the other side.

Checkpoints

  • -Both shoulders stay glued to the mat as the knees drop.
  • -Knees stay stacked together rather than sliding apart.
  • -Stretch is felt through the lower back, hip, and trunk, not as sharp pain.
  • -Breathing deepens the stretch on each exhale.

Common mistakes

  • -Letting the opposite shoulder peel off the floor.
  • -Forcing the knees flat to the ground beyond comfortable range.
  • -Twisting fast instead of lowering slowly with breath.
  • -Holding tension in the neck and jaw.

Programming notes

  • -Hold 2 to 3 sets of 20 to 40 seconds per side in cool-downs or on rest days.
  • -Useful between heavy lower-back sessions to restore rotation comfort.
  • -Turn the head opposite to the knees to add a gentle thoracic component.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play