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Core

Russian Twist

Beginner

A rotational core movement that targets the obliques.

Target muscles

Obliques

Calories burned

~6 kcal / set

Secondary muscles

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Goal

General Fitness, Weight Loss

Sets / Reps

3 × 20-30

Benefits

  • • Builds rotational core strength
  • • Can be done anywhere with just bodyweight

Step by step

  1. 1Sit on the floor with knees bent, leaning back slightly.
  2. 2Lift your feet off the floor for a challenge, or keep them grounded.
  3. 3Clasp your hands together in front of your chest.
  4. 4Rotate your torso to tap the floor on each side.

Breathing guide

Exhale with each rotation.

Common mistakes

  • • Rounding the back excessively
  • • Moving only the arms instead of rotating the torso

Safety tips

  • • Keep your feet on the floor if balance is challenging.
  • • Rotate from your ribcage, not just your arms.

Variations

  • • Weighted Russian twist
  • • Medicine ball twist

Related exercises

Plank

3 × 1

Side Plank

3 × 1 per side

Hanging Leg Raise

3 × 8-12

Cable Crunch

3 × 12-15