Russian Twist
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Russian Twist
- Lie down on the floor placing your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees.
- Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Your arms should be fully extended in front of you perpendicular to your torso and with the hands clasped. This is the starting position.
- Twist your torso to the right side until your arms are parallel with the floor while breathing out.
- Hold the contraction for a second and move back to the starting position while breathing out. Now move to the opposite side performing the same techniques you applied to the right side.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Russian Twist
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Plate Twist
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs.
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2
Cable Russian Twists
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, using a cable machine.
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3
Seated Barbell Twist
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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4
Barbell Ab Rollout
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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5
Suspended Fallout
An intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the abs.
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6
Ab Crunch Machine
An intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a machine.
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7
Ab Roller
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs.
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8
Advanced Kettlebell Windmill
An intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a kettlebell.
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9
Barbell Rollout from Bench
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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10
Double Kettlebell Windmill
An intermediate strength exercise that works the abs, using a kettlebell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do russian twist work?
Russian Twist primarily works the abs. The lower back assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for russian twist?
None. Russian Twist is a bodyweight movement you can do anywhere you have floor space.
Russian Twist: is it suitable for beginners?
Russian Twist is rated intermediate. Movements that assume you already own the basic pattern and are ready to load it.
What can I do instead of russian twist?
Plate Twist, Cable Russian Twists, Seated Barbell Twist train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my russian twist reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; russian twist can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Russian Twist with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.