Russian Twist
How to do it
Starting position
- Sit on the floor and bend your knees slightly.
- Bring your hands together and hold them in front of your chest.
- Rest your heels lightly on the floor and find your balance.
- Straighten your back and brace your abs.
Movement
- Maintain your upper body position and rotate your torso to the right.
- Rotate to the opposite side while feeling the tension in your abs.
- Alternate sides and repeat the movement.
Breathing
Exhale as you rotate your torso and inhale as you return to center.
Trainer tips
- Lean your upper body back 45 degrees and hold it in place
- Twist your entire torso up to your shoulders
- Holding a plate increases the difficulty
Cautions
- If your back rounds, it strains your lumbar spine, so keep your spine straight.
- Swinging only the arms side to side
- Rounding the back
If you feel pain during the exercise, stop. If it continues, talk to a professional.
Exercise info
| Primary muscles |  Obliques |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Abs · Lower back |
| Equipment |  Bodyweight |
| Movement pattern | Core |
| Rep range | 16–30 reps |
12 similar exercises
Representative exercise: Russian Twist (with Medicine Ball)
- Russian Twist (with Medicine Ball)
- Standing Russian Twist
- Weighted Russian Twist
- Single Russian Twist
- Sitting Russian Twist on a Chair
- Weighted Bottle Russian Twist with Legs Elevated
- Weighted Russian Twist (VERSION 2)
- Russian Twist (on Stability Ball Arms Straight)
- Russian Twist with Hands on Chest
- Lying Russian Twist
- Dumbbell Russian Twist with Legs off Floor
- Dumbbell Russian Twist with Legs Floor Off (VERSION 2)
Related exercises
Elbow to Knee Sit-upEasier90° Heel TouchEasierLying Russian TwistHarderKneeling Elbow to Knee Side Plank CrunchHarderRussian Twist (with Medicine Ball)Similar exerciseBand TwistSimilar exerciseAb Coaster Oblique CrunchSimilar exerciseDumbbell Side BendSame muscle · different equipmentMachine Torso RotationSame muscle · different equipmentBand Side BendSame muscle · different equipment
This information is based on our analysis of public content from evidence-based training experts in Korea and abroad. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
Weights and sets differ from person to person. The GYMKC app uses the sets you log to calculate the weight and reps for your next set.