Standing Ab Twist Wall Touch

Muscles worked

Setup

1. Stand with your back to a wall, approximately arm's length away.
2. Position your feet shoulder-width apart with a slight bend in the knees to stabilize your base.
3. Extend your arms straight out in front of you at shoulder height, pressing your palms together.

How to do it

1. Exhale and rotate your torso to one side, reaching back to touch the wall with both hands while keeping your hips facing forward.
2. Inhale as you slowly rotate back to the center starting position with a controlled tempo.
3. Immediately repeat the movement on the opposite side, alternating back and forth for the desired repetitions.

Form checklist

• Keep your hips square to the front; avoid letting your pelvis rotate with your shoulders.
• Maintain a tall, neutral spine and avoid leaning backward or forward during the twist.
• Keep your arms parallel to the floor throughout the entire range of motion.
• Engage your core muscles before you begin the rotation to protect your lower back.

Pro tips

• Focus on 'wringing out' your midsection like a towel to maximize the contraction in your obliques.
• Follow your hands with your gaze to encourage a full, natural range of motion through the thoracic spine.

Make it harder

• Hold a light medicine ball or weight plate to increase rotational resistance.
• Step slightly further away from the wall to require a deeper reach and greater rotational flexibility.

Frequently asked

What muscles does the standing ab twist wall touch work?

The standing ab twist wall touch primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the erector spinae as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for the standing ab twist wall touch?

The standing ab twist wall touch requires no equipment — just your body weight.

Is the standing ab twist wall touch good for beginners?

Yes. The standing ab twist wall touch is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.

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