Russian Twists
Sit leaning back about 45 degrees with a straight spine and rotate the torso side to side with control. Add a weight or lift the feet to progress. A classic rotation exercise for the obliques.
Updated
Primary muscles: Obliques. Supporting muscles: Abs, Hip Flexors. Equipment: Bodyweight.
Muscles worked
Primary
Secondary
Equipment
How to do it
- Sit on the floor with knees bent and heels lightly grounded.
- Lean the torso back about 45 degrees with a straight spine.
- Hold your hands or a weight in front of the chest.
- Rotate the ribcage to one side, letting the hands follow.
- Rotate to the other side in a controlled rhythm.
- Keep the chest tall and the spine long throughout.
Watch for
- Rounding the back as you lean.
- Moving only the arms while the torso stays still.
- Rushing the tempo until the rotation disappears.
Breathing
Exhale as you rotate to each side, inhale through the center.
Tip
Lift the feet off the floor or add a weight to progress.
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