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Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist

Squat, twist, and tone! This full-body exercise builds strength and improves core stability.

The Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the glutes & hips and quads. You'll need: weight plates.

Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist demo video 2
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Required Equipment

Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist Muscles Worked

Primary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

How to do the Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist

Weighted Plate Side Twist from Squat

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Hold the weight plate with both hands in front of your chest, keeping your elbows slightly bent.

  2. Squat Down:

    • Push your hips back and bend your knees to lower your body into a squat.

    • Keep your chest up and your back straight.

    • Lower yourself until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground or as far as you can comfortably go.

  3. Twisting Movement:

    • From the squat position, engage your core and twist your torso to the right.

    • Keep the weight plate close to your chest as you twist.

    • Ensure that your hips remain stable, and only your upper body is rotating.

  4. Return to Center:

    • Slowly return to the starting squat position, bringing your torso back to center.

  5. Twist to the Left:

    • Repeat the twisting movement, this time turning your torso to the left.

    • Again, keep the weight plate close to your chest and maintain a stable lower body.

  6. Complete the Set:

    • Continue to alternate twists from the squat for the desired number of repetitions or time.

Tips

  • Focus on your form rather than the weight. It’s better to start lighter and ensure you are doing the movement correctly.

  • Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise for stability.

  • Make sure your knees don’t extend past your toes during the squat to protect your joints.

Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist FAQs

What muscles does the Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist work?

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

What equipment do you need for the Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist?

Weight plates.

Is the Weight-Plate Side-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 Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist go on?

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

What are some Weight-Plate Side-Squat Twist variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Balance-Board Standing Twist, Weight-Plate Wood Chopper, Torso Slight-Squat Twist and Down Squat Press Twist.

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