How do you do the Russian Twist?

Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat. Lean back with a straight spine and clasp your hands in front of you, arms straight. Rotate your torso to one side, leading with your shoulders. Come back through the center and rotate to the other side.

What muscles does the Russian Twist work?

Mainly the obliques, with help from the abs.

What are common Russian Twist mistakes?

Swinging the arms instead of turning the torso. Rounding the spine. Rushing with jerky rotations.

Russian Twist: how to do it, form cues and muscles worked

How to do it

Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat.
Lean back with a straight spine and clasp your hands in front of you, arms straight.
Rotate your torso to one side, leading with your shoulders.
Come back through the center and rotate to the other side.

Key cues

Straight spine, lean back
Turn from the trunk, not the hips
Arms straight, hands clasped
Slow and controlled

Common mistakes

Swinging the arms instead of turning the torso
Rounding the spine
Rushing with jerky rotations

Muscles worked

Primary: Obliques
Secondary: Abs

Equipment

Exercise mat.

Variations

Russian Twist (Kettlebell)
Kettlebell · Obliques, abs · Core

References

NASM: Russian Twist
Healthline: Russian Twist