Exercise Library / Core

Russian Twist

How to do the Russian Twist with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Core
Primary muscles
Abdominals
Secondary muscles
Lower back
Type
Compound
Level
Intermediate

Video: “How to Do a Russian Twist | Ab Workout” by Howcast on YouTube.

How to do the Russian Twist

  1. Lie down on the floor placing your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
  2. Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Your arms should be fully extended in front of you perpendicular to your torso and with the hands clasped. This is the starting position.
  3. Twist your torso to the right side until your arms are parallel with the floor while breathing out.
  4. Hold the contraction for a second and move back to the starting position while breathing out. Now move to the opposite side performing the same techniques you applied to the right side.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Russian Twist mainly works your abdominals, with help from your lower back.

Russian Twist start and finish positions

Russian Twist: Starting position
Starting position
Russian Twist: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Russian Twist progress

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