Russian Twist vs Hollow
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions vs 426. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Russian Twist and Hollow and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Russian Twist vs Hollow: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions compared to 426 for Hollow.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Russian Twist and Hollow differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Russian Twist and Hollow Differ
| What differs | Russian Twist | Hollow |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and quads |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,072 sessions | 426 sessions |
How to Do Russian Twist
Russian Twist Muscles Worked: Core
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.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, keep your knees fixed and make sure your feet do not lift off the floor.
- 2. Rather than excessively twisting your lower back, use your abdominal muscles to rotate your upper body to the side. Be careful not to bend or arch your lower back.
For a full Russian Twist guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Russian Twist exercise guide.
How to Do Hollow
Hollow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body while keeping your feet off the ground.
- 2. Hold while engaging your core.
Coach's Tips
- In the holding position, only your hips should be touching the ground.
For a full Hollow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hollow exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Russian Twist or Hollow?
Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions against 426 for Hollow. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Russian Twist and Hollow work the same muscles?
Not quite. Russian Twist loads abs, and Hollow loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Russian Twist and Hollow need?
Russian Twist needs bodyweight only, and Hollow needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Russian Twist is the easier place to start. Move to Hollow once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

