Oblique exercises

Russian Twist

Also known as: Rotations russes · Ρωσικές περιστροφές · russian twists · seated twist

Primary
Obliques
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Intermediate
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
45 s

How to do the Russian Twist

  1. Sit on the floor with knees bent and lean your torso back slightly with a straight back.

  2. Lift your feet off the floor if you can, or keep your heels down for an easier version.

  3. Rotate your torso right and left, bringing your hands beside your hip.

  4. Keep a controlled pace and breathe normally.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–1545 s
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Obliques

Secondary

Abs

The obliques rotate and side-bend your trunk, and resist both. Side planks, Pallof presses, woodchops and carries cover every job.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Russian Twist doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

Train smarter

More obliques

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Bodyweight oblique exercises