How to do the Weighted Russian Twist
Weighted Russian Twist is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Abs in the Waist region. Performed using weighted, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Obliques and Lower Back.
Weighted Russian Twist demonstration · © GymiaFit
Weighted Russian Twist at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Abs
- Secondary muscles
- Obliques, Lower Back
- Equipment
- Weighted
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Weighted Russian Twist step by step
- 1Sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- 2Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest.
- 3Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
- 4Slowly twist your torso to the right, bringing the weight or medicine ball towards the floor on your right side.
- 5Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing the weight or medicine ball towards the floor on your left side.
- 6Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Weighted Russian Twist — questions
What muscles does the Weighted Russian Twist work?
The Weighted Russian Twist primarily targets the Abs. It also recruits the Obliques, Lower Back as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Weighted Russian Twist?
You need weighted. If your gym does not have it, the alternatives listed further down train the same muscles with different kit.
Is the Weighted 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 Weighted Russian Twist?
Otis Up, Weighted Crunch, Weighted Decline Sit-up 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 Weighted 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.