Muscles Worked
Learn more in the Obliques training guide →
Primary
Obliques
Secondary
Core
Highlighted muscles
How To Perform
- 1 Sit on the floor with knees bent, leaning back to a 45-degree angle.
- 2 Hold a weight or clasp hands. Rotate the torso to touch the weight to the floor on each side.
- 3 Keep feet off the floor for added difficulty.
Form Cues
- ✓ Rotate through the thoracic spine, not just the arms.
- ✓ Keep the torso at the same angle throughout.
Common Mistakes
- ✗ Swinging the arms without rotating the torso.
- ✗ Collapsing the torso angle during the movement.
💡 Professor Splits Says:
Progressive overload is the engine of muscle growth. Track your weights and aim to add small increments weekly. For Russian Twist, this means gradually increasing load, volume (sets × reps), or decreasing rest periods over time.
Exercise Alternatives
Can't do the Russian Twist? These alternatives target the same muscles:
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Where This Exercise Fits
FAQ
How many sets of Russian Twist should I do?
3 sets of 15–20 reps is a solid starting point. Adjust based on your training frequency and overall weekly volume for obliques. Beginners should start with the lower end; advanced trainees can push toward the upper range.
What muscles does Russian Twist target?
Russian Twist primarily targets the Obliques. Secondary muscles include Core.
Is Russian Twist good for beginners?
Russian Twist is beginner-friendly. Focus on technique with lighter loads before adding weight.
How much rest between sets?
For Russian Twist, 60 sec of rest between sets is recommended. Isolation exercises can typically use shorter rest periods (45–90 sec) to maintain the pump and time efficiency.