Twists poses
Poses that rotate the spine around its long axis with the pelvis anchored.
Beginner twists 7
Learnable in a first class, with a version that works for most bodies.
Intermediate twists 10
Assume a working base of strength and range, and a teacher who has watched you move.
Advanced twists 8
Long-practice poses. The risk is rarely the shape itself — it is arriving at it years early.
Questions
What are twists in yoga?
Poses that rotate the spine around its long axis with the pelvis anchored. YogaPath lists 25 of them, from Bharadvaja's Twist I through to Revolved Side Angle Pose.
Which twists should a beginner start with?
The 7 poses in this family marked beginner: Bharadvaja's Twist I, Easy Seated Twist, Revolved Staff Pose, Simple Seated Twist, Standing Spinal Twist and others. Each has a version that works for most bodies, and each page lists who should skip it.
Are twists safe for everyone?
No family of poses is. Each page in this group lists its own contraindications — pregnancy, blood pressure, glaucoma, and neck, knee, shoulder or wrist injury all rule out specific poses. Read the cautions on the individual page, ask your doctor if a condition applies to you, and learn the poses with a qualified teacher.
Asana names are traditional. Every step, benefit and caution on this page is written for YogaPath rather than reproduced from any book, studio or other library — see how this site is written. Energy figures derive from the 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities. General information only — not medical advice. Some asanas are unsuitable during pregnancy, injury or specific conditions. Learn from a qualified teacher and stop if anything hurts.