Exercise library / Abs

Russian Twist

Main muscles
Abs
Also works
Lower back
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound · Pull

How to do it

  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.

Quick answers

What muscles does the Russian Twist work?
Mainly the abs, with help from the lower back.
What equipment do I need?
Nothing but your bodyweight.
Is it good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate level.
How do I track progress on it?
Log each set and beat the weight or reps from last time. Liftrung shows your last set beside the next one and estimates your one-rep max from your sets.

More abs exercises

Exercise descriptions: free-exercise-db, public domain.