Russian Twist
How to do the Russian Twist with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Abs
Lower Back
Body Only
How to do the Russian Twist
- 1
Lie down on the floor placing your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
- 2
Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Your arms should be fully extended in front of you perpendicular to your torso and with the hands clasped. This is the starting position.
- 3
Twist your torso to the right side until your arms are parallel with the floor while breathing out.
- 4
Hold the contraction for a second and move back to the starting position while breathing out. Now move to the opposite side performing the same techniques you applied to the right side.
- 5
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Russian Twist set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More abs exercises
Russian Twist: common questions
What muscles does the Russian Twist work?
The Russian Twist primarily works the Abs. It also recruits the Lower Back as supporting muscles.
Is the Russian Twist suitable for beginners?
The Russian Twist is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.
What equipment do I need for the Russian Twist?
None. The Russian Twist is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.
Is the Russian Twist a compound or isolation exercise?
The Russian Twist is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.
How do I do the Russian Twist with correct form?
Lie down on the floor placing your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your Russian Twist sets, free.
Waitlist members get TestFlight + Play Store internal-track invites and a founder badge on their profile.
The app is free. Club adds the coach, leagues and analytics.
Core tracking stays free forever, the climb, streaks, logging and your league tiers. Club is for when you want the full coach, worldwide competition and the depth, at about the price of one coffee a month.
14-day free trial · no card to start
| Free | Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking, the climb and streaks | ||
| Per-set logging, PR detection, wearables | ||
| Muscle-league tiers | ||
| The AI coach | nudges | Full conversation |
| Worldwide leagues and challenges | , | |
| PR projections and deep analytics | , | |
| Unlimited crews | , | |
| Themes, export and higher AI limits | , |