Sit-Up Twist
Target your obliques! Sit-Up Twists sculpt your core with every rotation. Feel the burn, see the results.
The Sit-Up Twist is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the lower back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Optional Equipment
Sit-Up Twist Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques
Secondary
Spinal Erectors (erector spinae); Hip Flexor (iliopsoas)
Sit-Up Twist Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Sit-Up Twist
Start by lying flat on your back on a mat or bench with knees bent and feet placed flat on the floor or bench. Place your hands lightly behind your head without interlocking your fingers; this is to avoid pulling on your neck during the exercise.
Engage your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine.
Lift your torso off the ground and twist your body slightly so that your right elbow moves towards your left knee. Keep the movement controlled and do not pull with your neck.
Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
Repeat the lifting and twisting motion on the other side, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee.
Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions and sets.
Remember to exhale as you sit up and twist and inhale as you return to the starting position. Keep your movements slow and controlled to maximize engagement of the abdominal muscles. Avoid using momentum to sit up; instead, focus on using your core strength.
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Sit-Up Twist FAQs
What muscles does the Sit-Up Twist work?
The Sit-Up Twist mainly works the core, with help from the lower back. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Sit-Up Twist?
None. The Sit-Up Twist is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Sit-Up 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 Sit-Up Twist variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Three-Quarter Sit-Up, 45-Degree Twisting Bicycle-Crunch, Ab Mat Sit-Up and Twisting Air Crunch.
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