ExercisesThoracic rotation

Thoracic rotation

On hands and knees, place one hand behind your head and rotate that elbow toward the ceiling, following it with your eyes. Rotate from your mid-back, not your lower back.

MobilityNo equipmentDifficulty 1 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the thoracic rotation, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

On hands and knees, place one hand behind your head and rotate that elbow toward the ceiling, following it with your eyes. Rotate from your mid-back, not your lower back.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • thoracic spineprimary
  • shoulders

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

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Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2