Exercise guide · Core & Abs
Russian Twist
Russian twists target the obliques and deep core. Seated with knees bent and torso leaned back, you rotate your upper body side to side, optionally holding a weight.
- Targets: Core
- Equipment: Bodyweight
- Type: Isolation
Step by step
How to do the Russian Twist
- Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet planted, or lift your feet slightly for a harder variation.
- Lean your torso back to about 45 degrees while keeping your chest up and spine long.
- Clasp your hands at chest height or hold a plate, dumbbell, or medicine ball.
- Brace your core and rotate your torso to one side until your hands approach the floor beside your hip.
- Rotate smoothly through center to the other side—this counts as one rep.
- Continue alternating sides for your target reps while keeping your hips as stable as possible.
Form cues
- Chest up—do not hunch forward
- Rotate from your ribs, not just your arms
- Breathe steadily
- Feet firm on the floor or hovering consistently
Common mistakes
- Rounding your spine and hunching your shoulders
- Swinging your arms without rotating your torso
- Rocking your hips side to side instead of rotating through your core
- Leaning too far back and straining your lower back
Muscles worked
Primary
Core
Secondary
None significant
Safety: Use a weight you can control. If your lower back feels tight, sit more upright or keep both feet on the floor.
Alternatives
Similar core & abs exercises
Cable CrunchCore
Cable Pallof PressCore
Cable WoodchopperCore
Machine Abdominal CrunchCore
Machine Torso RotationCore
Ab Wheel RolloutCore
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