Strength · Recomp guide

Russian Twist

The russian twist is an intermediate strength exercise for your abs, using just your body weight.

Main muscles
Abs
Also works
Lower back
Equipment
Body weight
Level
Intermediate
Russian Twist, starting position
Start
Russian Twist, end position
Finish

Setup

Sit with knees bent and lean back until your abs are working, feet on the floor or lifted. Hold your hands or a light weight in front of your chest.

How to do it

  1. Keep your chest tall.
  2. Turn your shoulders to one side.
  3. Return through the middle and turn to the other side.
  4. Keep it slow and controlled.

Coaching cues

  • Turn from your ribs, not your arms.
  • Spine long.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding your back.
  • Just moving your hands side to side.

Alternatives to the russian twist

Crunches Body weight Reverse Crunch Body weight Ab Roller Other Decline Crunch Body weight Frog Sit-Ups Body weight Gorilla Chin/Crunch Body weight