PILATES MOTION ATLAS

Assisted Supine Trunk Rotation | Assisted stretch in 3D

Assisted Supine Trunk Rotation: supine, trunk rotation and lower back. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

Pilates Motion Atlas editorial teamUpdated September 24, 2026

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A schematic 3D view of Assisted Supine Trunk Rotation — One moment from the lesson model. Open 3D to follow the whole movement from any angle.

Position and focus

Supine · Trunk rotation and lower back

An assisted stretch for the trunk rotation and lower back, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.

Starting position

The client lies supine with both knees bent and the knees and feet together. The trainer stands on the side towards which the knees will be lowered and places the hands on both knees.

Movement phases

1. Keep the knees together

Let the shoulders and back rest on the table.

2. Lower the knees

Slowly lower the knees, kept together, towards the trainer.

3. Check the response

Check for any lifting of the opposite shoulder and for a stretch in the lower back and back.

4. Return to centre

Keep supporting the knees as you return them to the centre.

What the trainer checks

Check that the opposite shoulder is not lifting off the table and that there is no pain in the lower back.

Instructor information

Trainer position

Stand on the side towards which the knees will be lowered.

Contact and support

Control the speed of the lowering at the outside of the nearer knee and place the other hand on top of the far knee.

Stabilisation

Ask the client to relax the shoulders, and stop just before the shoulder lifts.

Compensation

Lifting of the opposite shoulder, twisting only at the lower back, breath-holding.

Easier option

Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.

Cues and consent

Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.

Stop criteria

Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.

Caution

Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.

These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.

References and scope

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS — Stretching Exercises with Assistance ↗
For helpers: where to support and how to move the shoulder (raising and opening), elbow and wrist, double knee hug, knee rolls, inner thigh, front of the hip lying on the side, front and back of the thigh, and ankle.

Open in 3D