Russian Twist

ObliquesBodyweight

Russian twists are a dynamic core exercise targeting your obliques to build rotational stability and core endurance.

How to do it

1Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly with a straight spine until you feel your core engage.

2Lift your feet off the floor, crossing your ankles or extending your legs. Keep your heels on the ground if you need an easier option.

3Join your hands in front of your chest. Exhale and slowly rotate your torso to one side, tapping the floor beside your hip.

4Inhale back to center under control, then immediately rotate to the opposite side on your next exhale.

5Keep alternating sides, staying focused on driving the movement with your obliques.

Common mistakes

Rounding your back: Keep your spine long and straight, leaning back from the hips.

Twisting only with your arms: Turn your entire torso from the chest, not just your hands.

Rushing the movement: Move with control to maximize muscle tension and stability.

Letting your feet drop: Keep your legs elevated throughout the set if using the raised-feet variation.

Breathing

Breathe rhythmically: exhale as you twist to the side, inhale as you return to center. Do not hold your breath.

Make it harder or easier

To scale down: Keep your heels on the floor or lean back less to reduce core strain.

To scale up: Hold a dumbbell or plate at your chest, or fully extend your legs straight out.

To make it harder: Slow down the tempo and add a brief pause at the end of each twist to maximize oblique engagement.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.