Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog
Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in

Russian Twist

Flexible spine, sides
Russian Twist gif
Isolation

About

It is said to have originated from training soldiers in Russia to strengthen their core strength. If you are not familiar with the motion, you can stick your legs to the floor!

How to Russian Twist

Starting Position

1. Please sit on the floor with your knees up.

2. Slightly lean your upper body back to engage your core.

3. Place your hands together on your chest.

Proper Form

1. Sit with your knees raised and slightly lean your upper body back.

2. Bring your hands together at your chest and twist your upper body as if your elbows are touching your thighs.

3. Repeat the movement while maintaining tension in your abdomen.

Breathing Technique

Exhale while turning your body and inhale as you return to the original position.

Precautions

When twisting your body, keep your knees stable and be careful not to twist your waist excessively.

From the Community

Russian Twist Community

Join the Community →

Russian Twist Related Reading

  • Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis
    What Actually Matters

    Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis

    Full-body or split? For muscle growth and strength, the answer is neither — they're equal, per a 2024 J Strength Cond Res meta-analysis of 14 studies.

  • Workout duration doesn't predict muscle growth — sets do, per a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies
    Numbers Don't Lie

    Workout duration doesn't predict muscle growth — sets do, per a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies

    Stop watching the clock. Muscle growth comes down to sets per workout, not minutes on the floor — according to a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies.

  • Cardio before or after weights: why the order depends on your goal
    What Actually Matters

    Cardio before or after weights: why the order depends on your goal

    Do cardio before or after lifting? The answer depends entirely on your goal. Here's what the interference effect and a 2024 meta-analysis of 23 RCTs actually say.

  • Sets per workout is the only training variable that reliably predicts muscle growth.
    Numbers Don't Lie

    Sets per workout is the only training variable that reliably predicts muscle growth.

    Wondering how many sets per workout you actually need? The answer is simpler than you think — according to a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies.

  • Progressive Overload Is the Only Variable That Actually Guarantees Muscle Growth.
    What Actually Matters

    Progressive Overload Is the Only Variable That Actually Guarantees Muscle Growth.

    Adding weight isn't the only way to progressively overload — reps work just as well, according to a 2024 RCT and an ACSM overview of 137 systematic reviews.

  • Soreness is not a measure of muscle growth.
    Myths Busted

    Soreness is not a measure of muscle growth.

    Feeling wrecked after leg day doesn't mean you're building more muscle. Here's what the science actually says — including a 2026 meta-analysis of 49 studies.

Curious about a Core workout plan that includes the Russian Twist

Russian Twist Alternatives

Dumbbell Side Bend

Dumbbell Side Bend

Cable Side Bend

Cable Side Bend

More

Russian Twist vs

  • Russian Twist vs Leg Raise
  • Russian Twist vs Crunch
  • Russian Twist vs Cable Crunch

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog