How to do the Barbell Seated Twist
Barbell Seated Twist is an intermediate single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Abs in the Waist region. Performed using barbell, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Obliques and Lower Back.
Barbell Seated Twist demonstration · © GymiaFit
Barbell Seated Twist at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Abs
- Secondary muscles
- Obliques, Lower Back
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Barbell Seated Twist step by step
- 1Sit on a flat bench with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent.
- 2Hold a barbell with both hands in front of your chest, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 3Engage your core and slowly twist your torso to one side, keeping your back straight.
- 4Pause for a moment at the end of the twist, then slowly rotate back to the starting position.
- 5Repeat the twist to the other side.
- 6Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Barbell Seated Twist — questions
What muscles does the Barbell Seated Twist work?
The Barbell Seated Twist primarily targets the Abs. It also recruits the Obliques, Lower Back as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Seated Twist?
You need barbell. If your gym does not have it, the alternatives listed further down train the same muscles with different kit.
Is the Barbell Seated Twist suitable for beginners?
It is classed as intermediate. Build the movement pattern with an easier variation first, then add load once the technique holds under fatigue.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Seated Twist?
Barbell Rollerout, Barbell Rollerout From Bench, Barbell Side Bent V. 2 train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Barbell Seated Twist demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.