How to do a russian twist
About russian twist
TIER
5
DIFFICULTY
untrained
EQUIPMENT
none
TARGET MUSCLES
core
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Position: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Posture: Lean back slightly so your torso is at about a 45-degree angle to the floor. Engage your core to keep your back straight (do not round it).
- Balance: Lift your feet off the floor (optional, for more of a challenge). Clasp your hands together in front of your chest.
The Movement:
- Twist: Rotate your torso from the center, twisting to one side and touching your hands to the floor beside you.
- Alternate: Immediately twist back through the center and to the other side.
- Rhythm: Continue alternating sides in a smooth, controlled motion.
Tips:
- The rotation should come from your ribs and torso, not just from moving your arms.
- Keep your core tight and your spine long throughout the exercise.
- To increase difficulty, hold a dumbbell, kettlebell, or medicine ball.
Alternatives
roman-chair sit-up
Core
Roman Chair
farmers walk
Core
Dumbbell
decline crunch
Core
Ab WheelSit Up Bench
hanging deadbug
Core
Pull Up Bar
hanging straight leg raise
Core
Pull Up Bar
russian twist
Core
None
bird dog
Core
None
hollow hold
Core
None
cable kneeling crunch
Core
Cable
plank
Core
None
dumbbell straight leg twist
Core
Dumbbell
leg raise hip lift with head up
Core
None
machine seated crunch
Core
Seated Crunch Machine
side plank
Core
None
crunches arm straight
Core
None
cable twist
Core
Cable
sit-up
Core
None
frog crunch
Core
None
ab-wheel rollout
Core
Ab Wheel
crunches
Core
None