Russian twist
A Russian twist is sitting leaned back with your knees bent and rotating your shoulders and hands from one side to the other. It works the obliques and the abs that hold the lean.
- Group
- Core
- Equipment
- A mat
- A first set
- 20 reps
How to do it
Start position
Sit on a mat with your knees bent and heels on the mat. Lean back to about 45 degrees with a long back and clasp your hands in front of your chest.
One rep
- Rotate your shoulders and clasped hands to one side until your hands pass beside your hip.
- Rotate through the centre to the other side.
- Each side counts as one rep.
Tempo
About 1.2 seconds per rep, at a controlled pace. A set of 20 takes around 24 seconds.
Form cues
- The turn comes from your ribs and shoulders, not just your arms.
- Keep your back long and the lean the same.
- Your heels stay on the mat.
Common mistakes
- Only moving the armsTurn your chest so it faces each side, and your hands follow.
- Rounding the backSit up a little taller and lean back less.
- Rocking back and forthHold one lean angle and turn side to side only.