Exercise library
Russian Twist
The Russian twist trains the obliques and deep core through rotation, building rotational strength and a stable midsection.
BodyweightCoreBeginner
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Focus
- Core
- Level
- Beginner
- Suggested sets
- 3 sets of 20–40 total twists.
- Muscles worked
- ObliquesAbs
How to do it
- 1Sit on the floor with your knees bent and lean your torso back to about 45 degrees.
- 2Lift your feet slightly off the floor and balance on your hips, keeping your back straight.
- 3Clasp your hands together or hold a weight in front of your chest.
- 4Rotate your torso to one side, bringing your hands toward the floor beside your hip.
- 5Rotate to the other side under control and continue alternating.
Tips & tricks
- Twist from your torso, not just your arms.
- Keep your chest up and your back flat rather than rounding.
- Add a dumbbell or plate to make it harder once the bodyweight version is easy.
Common mistakes
- Rounding the lower back and slumping.
- Only swinging the arms while the torso stays still.
- Rushing the reps and losing control of the rotation.
