Spine Twist Supine

Spine Twist Supine is a yoga and mat Pilates movement that is frequently performed. Many YouTube fitness videos and at-home workout DVDs feature it as a popular movement. However, while many consumers and some untrained instructors regard this exercise only as a stretch, physical therapists and certified Pilates instructors are aware of the true purpose of this exercise.

Spine Twist Supine in Supine (supine means on your back) was created to strengthen the oblique muscles in a prolonged position rather than just stretching them. Although this exercise can be done as a stretch, its primary goal is to stabilize your core and strengthen your obliques. The spine twist also improves posture and allows you to breathe in a way that Joseph Pilates advocated: taking in a lot of fresh air and forcing out the old air with movement. The twisting motion in the spine twist makes you feel as if you're physically squeezing the old air out.

Many people try to twist and stretch their lower backs by separating their knees and simply stretching from one area to the other. However, because the major purpose of this exercise is to improve stability and strength, the knees should be held together and leveled throughout the movement to ensure good alignment. People who are unable to keep their knees leveled while they rotate frequently have problems with their lumbar spine (lower back). The thoracic spine (upper back) should rotate so that the obliques can be stretched and strengthened.