How to Do Russian Twist

Russian Twist is a core exercise using bodyweight, listed as intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Also known as Russian Twists.

Primary muscle

Core

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Intermediate

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Russian Twist

  1. 01Sit on the floor with knees bent and lean the torso back to a 45-degree angle to engage the core.
  2. 02Clasp the hands together in front of the chest and lift the feet slightly off the ground to balance on the sits bones.
  3. 03Rotate the shoulders and hands from one side of the hip to the other, following the movement with the gaze.
  4. 04Exhale forcefully on each rotation while keeping the lower body as still as possible.
  5. 05Touch the floor lightly with the fingertips to ensure full range of motion in the thoracic spine.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Russian Twist

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

Tap to explore manually

Primary movers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.

Stabilisers

  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Maintain a slight bend in the knees and keep the heels hovered off the floor to increase tension on the rectus abdominis.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Russian Twist questions

What muscles does Russian Twist work?

Russian Twist is catalogued as a core exercise in A90 Training Club, with the core as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Russian Twist correctly?

Sit on the floor with knees bent and lean the torso back to a 45-degree angle to engage the core. Clasp the hands together in front of the chest and lift the feet slightly off the ground to balance on the sits bones. Rotate the shoulders and hands from one side of the hip to the other, following the movement with the gaze. Exhale forcefully on each rotation while keeping the lower body as still as possible. Touch the floor lightly with the fingertips to ensure full range of motion in the thoracic spine.

What is the A90 coach tip for Russian Twist?

Maintain a slight bend in the knees and keep the heels hovered off the floor to increase tension on the rectus abdominis.

Is Russian Twist suitable for beginners?

Russian Twist is rated intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Do you need equipment for Russian Twist?

No. Russian Twist is listed as a bodyweight movement in the A90 catalogue, so you can train it with no kit.

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