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Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation

IntermediateMobilityTier T2
Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation

Assume a half-kneeling position and rotate your torso. Adds hip stability challenge to thoracic rotation.

Targets: Thoracic Spine
Muscles: Obliques, Multifidus, Erector Spinae

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

none

Home Options

  • bodyweight

No equipment? Try: Pad under knee

Dosage

2

Sets

8

Reps / Time

30 sec

Rest

slow and controlled

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Get into half-kneeling position (right foot forward, left knee down)
  • Keep hips square facing forward
  • Place hands crossed on chest
  • Tall posture with core engaged
  1. Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation - Step 1 of 6: Rotate your torso toward your front leg

    Step 1 of 6

    Rotate your torso toward your front leg

  2. Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation - Step 2 of 6: Feel the rotation through your mid-back

    Step 2 of 6

    Feel the rotation through your mid-back

  3. Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation - Step 3 of 6: Return to center

    Step 3 of 6

    Return to center

  4. Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation - Step 4 of 6: Rotate slightly away from your front leg

    Step 4 of 6

    Rotate slightly away from your front leg

  5. Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation - Step 5 of 6: Return to center

    Step 5 of 6

    Return to center

  6. Half-Kneeling Thoracic Rotation - Step 6 of 6: Repeat for reps then switch legs

    Step 6 of 6

    Repeat for reps then switch legs

Breathing

  • Exhale as you rotate
  • Inhale as you return

Form Cues

  • Keep hips still and square
  • Rotate from mid-back
  • Stay tall through spine
  • Control the movement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Hips rotating with torso
  • Leaning sideways
  • Losing balance
  • Moving too fast

Safety Information

Use knee pad if kneeling is uncomfortable. Hold onto something if balance is difficult.

Progressions

Add a hold at end range or use a dowel across shoulders

Regressions

Hold onto something for balance or reduce rotation range