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Squat & Twist

Squat & Twist: Tone your core & legs! Squat with a twist for a full-body burn & improved mobility.

The Squat & Twist is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips and quads. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Squat & Twist Muscles Worked

Primary

Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

How to do the Squat & Twist

Squat Twist

Positioning:

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Ensure your toes are pointing slightly outward.

  2. Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide to maintain an open chest.

Movement:

  1. Lower your body into a squat by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, as if sitting into a chair. Keep your chest lifted and back straight.

  2. As you squat, twist your torso to the right, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee. This adds a rotational element to the movement.

  3. Return to the starting squat position while untwisting your body back to the center.

  4. Push through your heels to rise back to a standing position.

  5. Repeat the squat and twist on the opposite side, bringing your right elbow toward your left knee.

  6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

  • Keep your knees aligned with your toes throughout the squat to prevent injury.

  • Engage your core for stability during the movement.

  • If you need to, start with smaller movements and gradually increase your range of motion as you become more comfortable.

Squat & Twist FAQs

What muscles does the Squat & Twist work?

The Squat & Twist mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips and quads. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Squat & Twist?

None. The Squat & Twist is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

Is the Squat & Twist a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Squat & Twist go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Squat & Twist variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Band Squat Twist, Burpee Twist, Butterfly Twist and Turn Deep-Squat.

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