Russian Twist
Obliques and abs1 dumbbell
The Russian twist is a seated core exercise where you rotate your torso from side to side while holding a dumbbell. It trains your obliques and abs.
How to do the Russian Twist
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and lean back until you feel your abs working.
- Hold one dumbbell at your chest with both hands.
- Rotate from your ribs, not just your arms, to bring the dumbbell beside each hip.
- Keep your chest lifted and your back straight, with your heels on the floor or lifted.
Common mistakes
- You only swing your arms. Turn your shoulders and ribs so the dumbbell follows.
- Your back rounds. Sit tall and lean back only as far as you can keep your back straight.
- You rush the reps. Control each side to keep the tension on your abs.
With a bench or without
With a bench: sit at the end of a bench with your feet on the floor for a more stable base.
Without a bench: do it on the floor, as above.
Easier and harder versions
Easier: Keep your heels on the floor or use a lighter dumbbell.
Harder: Lift your feet off the floor or use a heavier dumbbell.