rotation · intermediate
Russian Twist
Also called: seated twist, mason twist
Coaching cues
- Sit tall, then lean back to about 45 degrees
- Lift the chest — long spine, not a slump
- Turn the shoulders side to side, hands follow
- Keep heels down to start; float the feet to make it harder
- Exhale on each twist
Common mistakes
- Rounding the lower back into a slump
- Swinging the arms while the torso barely moves
- Bouncing side to side on momentum
- Holding the breath
Take care with: lower back. Members who list these injuries never see this exercise in a program.
Easier: Standing Torso Rotation
Harder: Weighted Russian Twist