Waist Exercise · Body Weight

Expand

Russian Twist

Category

Waist

Equipment

Body Weight

Target

Abs

Share

The Russian twist trains rotation, which is something most ab work — planks, crunches, sit-ups — completely ignores. Twisting side to side with the feet off the ground turns on the obliques hard, especially once you add a weight or medicine ball to the movement. Speed is tempting but counterproductive here; slow, controlled rotation is what actually works the core instead of just the shoulders swinging a weight around.

How to Do the Russian Twist

1. Sit down on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
2. Recline your torso back a little, keeping your spine straight and your core braced.
3. Clasp your hands together in front of your chest, or hold a weight there if you choose.
4. Raise your feet off the floor and balance on your sit bones.
5. Rotate your torso toward the right, moving your hands or weight to your right side.
6. Pause briefly, then rotate to the left, bringing your hands or weight to your left side.
7. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the abs.

Muscles Worked

The Russian Twist primarily targets the Abs, with Obliques as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Waist Exercises

3/4 Sit-Up Body Weight · Abs 45° Side Bend Body Weight · Abs Air Bike Body Weight · Abs Alternate Heel Touchers Body Weight · Abs Arm Slingers Hanging Bent Knee Legs Body Weight · Abs Arm Slingers Hanging Straight Legs Body Weight · Abs

More Abs Exercises

Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have body weight? These target the same abs with different equipment.

Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs Band Alternating V-Up Band · Abs Barbell Press Sit-Up Barbell · Abs

FAQ

What muscles does the Russian Twist work?

The Russian Twist primarily targets the abs, with the obliques as the main supporting muscle group.

What equipment do I need for the Russian Twist?

The Russian Twist is done with no equipment — just body weight.

What's a good alternative to the Russian Twist?

If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Hanging Knee Raise targets the same abs using assisted instead.