Warm-Up & Mobility

Lunge with Thoracic Rotation — Simple Warm-Up Guide

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By Borja Bes — CrossFit Athlete & Hyrox Finisher

The lunge with thoracic rotation opens the front of the hip while the upper back turns over a stable lower body. It prepares running, lunging, squatting, and overhead work in one controlled drill. Use it to raise temperature, rehearse clean positions, and prepare the joints without creating fatigue before the main workout.

Quick answer

The lunge with thoracic rotation opens the front of the hip while the upper back turns over a stable lower body. Use Lunge with Thoracic Rotation before training at an easy, controlled pace; finish feeling warmer or moving more freely, never fatigued.

Curated demonstration

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Runners Lunge Thoracic Rotation

Functional Bodybuilding · reviewed 2026-08-06

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Muscles Worked

Hip flexorsGlutesThoracic spineObliques

Equipment

None

Best For, Avoid If, and Scaling

Best forUsing Lunge with Thoracic Rotation to prepare hip flexors and glutes before sessions that include Lunge, without spending energy needed for the main work.
Avoid ifAvoid or scale Lunge with Thoracic Rotation if pain changes the movement or the intended position cannot be controlled. Correct this common fault before adding volume: letting the front knee collapse inward.
ScalingLower the back knee and place the supporting hand on a block.

How to Do the Lunge with Thoracic Rotation

1

Step into a long lunge with the front foot flat.

2

Place the opposite hand inside the front foot.

3

Rotate the other arm and chest toward the front leg.

4

Return with control, stand, and repeat on the other side.

Common Mistakes

✕

Letting the front knee collapse inward.

✕

Twisting through the lower back while the upper back stays still.

Coaching Tips

✓

Keep the back glute lightly squeezed.

✓

Exhale as the chest opens.

Scaling Options

Easier / Beginner

Lower the back knee and place the supporting hand on a block.

Harder / Advanced

Pause for two breaths at the top of each rotation.

Warm-Up Examples

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Lunge with Thoracic Rotation Movement Prep

lunge with thoracic rotation warm-up

2 unhurried rounds

6-8 controlled Lunge with Thoracic Rotation reps per side

6 controlled Lunge reps

Start the workout feeling prepared, not tired

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Lunge with Thoracic Rotation Readiness Flow

pre-workout lunge with thoracic rotation

Every 90 sec x 4 rounds

30 sec easy cardio

6-8 controlled Lunge with Thoracic Rotation reps per side

Use the remaining time to breathe and reset

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should Lunge with Thoracic Rotation feel?

During Lunge with Thoracic Rotation, you should feel warmer and move more freely, but not tired. Keep the range controlled and reduce it if you feel pinching or sharp pain.

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