Seated Barbell Twist
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Seated Barbell Twist
- Start out by sitting at the end of a flat bench with a barbell placed on top of your thighs. Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other.
- Grip the bar with your palms facing down and make sure your hands are wider than shoulder width apart from each other. Begin to lift the barbell up over your head until your arms are fully extended.
- Now lower the barbell behind your head until it is resting along the base of your neck. This is the starting position.
- While keeping your feet and head stationary, move your waist from side to side so that your oblique muscles feel the contraction. Only move from side to side as far as your waist will allow you to go. Stretching or moving too far can cause an injury to occur. Tip: Use a slow and controlled motion.
- Remember to breathe out while twisting your body to the side and in when moving back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Seated Barbell 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
Cable Seated Crunch
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a cable machine.
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2
Seated Flat Bench Leg Pull-In
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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3
Seated Leg Tucks
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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4
Barbell Side Bend
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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5
Crunches
Crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that isolates the rectus abdominis. When performed correctly, they're an effective way to build core strength and muscular endurance.
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6
Plate Twist
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs.
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7
Russian Twist
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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8
Air Bike
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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9
Alternate Heel Touchers
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
-
10
Barbell Ab Rollout
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do seated barbell twist work?
Seated Barbell Twist primarily works the abs.
What equipment do I need for seated barbell twist?
Seated Barbell Twist uses barbell.
Seated Barbell Twist: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Seated Barbell Twist is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of seated barbell twist?
Cable Seated Crunch, Seated Flat Bench Leg Pull-In, Seated Leg Tucks train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my seated barbell twist reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; seated barbell 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 Seated Barbell 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.