Standing Russian-Twist
Twist your way to a stronger core! Standing Russian Twists target your obliques for better stability and definition.
The Standing Russian-Twist is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the back. You'll need: medicine ball.
Required Equipment
Standing Russian-Twist Muscles Worked
Primary
Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Deep Core (transverse abdominis); Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Lats (latissimus dorsi)
Standing Russian-Twist Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Russian-Twist
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Extend your arms in front of you at chest height or clasp your hands together. If adding difficulty, hold a weight or medicine ball between your hands.
Engage your core and keep your hips facing forward throughout the movement.
Rotate your torso to the right, turning your shoulders and arms as one unit while keeping your hips stable.
Twist your torso as far to the right as comfortable, ensuring the movement is coming from your waist and you feel your obliques engage.
Return to center, and then rotate to the left side, again keeping your hips forward and stable.
This completes one repetition.
Be mindful to:
Keep your back straight and avoid hunching over.
Perform the movement in a controlled manner with a focus on engaging the core muscles rather than using momentum.
Breathe steadily throughout the exercise, exhaling as you twist to the side and inhaling as you return to the center.
This exercise can be performed for a set number of repetitions or for time, depending on your workout structure and goals.
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Standing Russian-Twist FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Russian-Twist work?
The Standing Russian-Twist mainly works the core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Russian-Twist?
Medicine ball.
Is the Standing Russian-Twist a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Standing Russian-Twist variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Balance-Board Standing Twist, Barbell Standing Twist, Bottle-Weight Russian-Twist and Double Palm Tap Russian-Twist.
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