Exercise guide
Seated Leaning Back Hundreds On Chair
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Chest
- Lower arms
- Lower legs
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Upper legs
- Waist
This exercise targets the rectus abdominis and obliques through isometric tension and rhythmic arm pumping, improving core endurance and stability. It is a beginner-friendly Pilates-inspired variation that uses a chair to provide a stable base while challenging the midsection.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit on the front edge of a sturdy chair or bench with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Sit tall with a neutral spine, then lean your torso back to a 45-degree angle until you feel your abs engage.
- Extend your arms straight out by your sides, palms facing down, hovering just above the level of your hips.
How to do it
- Inhale deeply for 5 counts while vigorously pumping your arms up and down in a small, 6-inch range of motion.
- Exhale sharply for 5 counts, continuing the rhythmic arm pumps while keeping your torso perfectly still.
- Maintain a steady tempo, completing 10 full breath cycles to reach a total of 100 arm pumps.
- Keep your gaze forward and your chin slightly tucked to maintain a neutral neck throughout the set.
Form checklist
- Keep your chest open and shoulders pulled down away from your ears.
- Ensure your lower back remains flat or slightly rounded; do not let it arch away from the lean.
- The arm movement should be rigid and originate from the shoulders, not the wrists.
- Keep your feet firmly planted on the floor to provide a stable anchor for the movement.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'bracing' your core as if you are about to be poked in the stomach to maximize muscle recruitment.
- Use percussive breathing—short, sharp inhales and exhales—to help time the arm pumps and deepen the abdominal contraction.
Make it harder
- Lift one or both feet off the floor into a tabletop position (knees bent at 90 degrees) to increase the load on the lower abs.
- Hold a very light pair of dumbbells (1-2 lbs) to increase the resistance during the pumping motion.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the seated leaning back hundreds on chair work?
- The seated leaning back hundreds on chair primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the erector spinae, glutes, and quadriceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the seated leaning back hundreds on chair?
- The seated leaning back hundreds on chair requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the seated leaning back hundreds on chair good for beginners?
- The seated leaning back hundreds on chair is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- Body Saw PlankIntermediate · abs, lats, and obliques
- Elevated Lunge T Spine RotationIntermediate · abs, glutes, hamstrings, obliques, and quadriceps
- InchwormIntermediate · abs, hamstrings, obliques, pectorals, and trapezius
- Knee Tap Sky ReachIntermediate · abs, calves, deltoids, obliques, and pectorals