How to do the Russian Twist
Russian Twist is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Abs in the Waist region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Obliques.
Russian Twist demonstration · © GymiaFit
Russian Twist at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Abs
- Secondary muscles
- Obliques
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Russian Twist step by step
- 1Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- 2Lean back slightly while keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
- 3Hold your hands together in front of your chest or hold a weight if desired.
- 4Lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your sit bones.
- 5Twist your torso to the right, bringing your hands or weight towards the right side of your body.
- 6Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing your hands or weight towards the left side of your body.
- 7Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
8 free workouts use it
Russian Twist — questions
What muscles does the Russian Twist work?
The Russian Twist primarily targets the Abs. It also recruits the Obliques as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Russian Twist?
None — the Russian Twist uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the Russian Twist suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Russian Twist?
3/4 Sit-up, 45° Side Bend, Air Bike 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 Russian 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.