How to do a Russian Twist
- Sit with knees bent and heels on or just above the floor.
- Lean back slightly to a stable angle and brace your core.
- Clasp your hands or hold a light weight in front of your chest.
- Rotate your torso to tap toward one hip, then the other.
- Twist from the waist with control and keep your chest lifted.
Keep in mind
- Lean back until you feel the abs switch on, then hold that angle.
- Rotate from the ribs — the shoulders and hands travel together.
- Keep the chest tall; don't let the back round as you turn.
- Touch lightly beside the hip rather than slamming the floor.
Common mistakes
- Only the arms swinging while the torso stays still — turn the ribcage.
- The back rounding into a C — sit taller and lean back less.
- Clamping the feet down and letting them do the work — lift them if you can hold the position.
Breathing
Breathe out on each rotation and keep a steady rhythm.
Take care
Loaded spinal rotation does not suit everyone — if you have a disc problem, do a plank or a Pallof press instead.
Easier and harder
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