The chest lift with rotation is a Pilates mat exercise that combines a controlled crunch with a rotation, engaging both the rectus abdominis and obliques. It teaches mindful core engagement with controlled breath patterning — a hallmark of Pilates training.
Muscle Group
Abs, Core, Obliques
Equipment Required
Bodyweight
Type
Flexibility
Equipment
Band
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Benefits
- Engages both rectus abdominis and obliques
- Teaches controlled, mindful core engagement
- Foundational Pilates ab exercise
- No equipment needed
- Improves core endurance and quality of contraction
- Builds rotational stability
How to perform
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Place your hands behind your head with elbows wide. Lengthen the back of your neck.
- Inhale to prepare. Exhale and curl your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor.
- Rotate your torso to the right, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee.
- Pause briefly at the top with controlled engagement.
- Inhale and rotate back to center.
- Exhale and rotate to the left.
- Continue alternating for the desired number of reps. Move with control.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
Abs
Primary
Obliques
Primary