Strength Training · Bodybuilding
Machine Torso Rotation
Machine torso rotation is a seated exercise that works your obliques by turning your upper body against resistance while your pelvis stays supported.
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Low injury risk
- Rest 1 min
How to do it
- Adjust the seat so your trunk lines up with the machine’s rotation axis, following its setup diagram.
- Sit upright with your feet on the designated supports.
- Secure the thigh restraints snugly over your legs.
- Set the starting angle close to center.
- Position your upper body against the rotation pads.
- Grip the handles lightly.
- Turn your rib cage against the resistance through a comfortable range.
- Return slowly to the starting position.
Form cues
- Keep your pelvis still
- Keep your shoulders level
- Exhale as you turn
- Keep your abdomen gently braced
Common mistakes
- Pulling with your armsUse your hands for support rather than pulling the handles to move the load.
- Chasing a bigger twistShorten the range if you need to lean or shift against the restraints to turn farther.
- Jerking into the turnReduce the weight until you can start each repetition smoothly without a sudden shove.
Safety
Heavy resistance or forced rotation can strain your back, especially when fatigue makes you twist beyond a controllable range.
- Test the machine with its lightest practical load before adding weight.
- Stop the set if you feel sharp pain or pinching in your back.
- Let the weight stack settle before changing the starting angle or direction.
If you have ongoing back pain or a history of spinal injury, ask a physiotherapist or doctor whether loaded rotation is appropriate for you.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Equipment
- Rotary Torso Machine
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 10–15 reps per side
- Rest
- 1 min
Use the same weight and number of repetitions in each direction.