Russian Twist
A seated rotation exercise for the obliques; hold a weight to make it harder.
Drag to rotate
3 sets of 6–15 reps, 1–2 min rest, guided
How to do the russian twist
- 1Sit with knees bent and lean back until your abs engage.
- 2Hold your hands together in front of your chest.
- 3Rotate your torso to one side, then the other.
- 4Keep your hips still and the movement controlled.
When to pick it: Pick it as an oblique finisher; keep the feet down if the lower back complains.
Form cues
- Rotate from the ribs
- Chest tall
- Slow and controlled
Common mistakes
- Just moving the arms
- Rounding the back
- Going too fast
Stop if something hurts, and check with a doctor before starting if you have a health condition, are pregnant or are recovering from an injury. Terms
Sets and reps
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 | 3–6 | 2–3 min |
| Muscle size | 3–4 | 6–15 | 1–2 min |
| Endurance | 2–3 | 15–25 | 30–60 s |
Finish each set with one or two good reps left in the tank. When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add weight next time. Get a full 4–12 week program →
Equipment taken? Swap it for
These train the same muscles with different equipment.