How to perform Bodyweight Russian Twist with proper form
Starting Position
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat.
- Lean back slightly to engage your core, keeping your back straight.
- Elevate your feet off the ground for increased intensity, balancing on your sit bones.
Execution
- Clasp your hands together in front of your chest.
- Rotate your torso to the right by engaging your core, keeping your hips stable.
- Bring your hands beside your hip or touch the floor (if elevated).
- Return to the center and rotate to the left, maintaining control.
- Repeat this rotation back and forth.
Key Points
- Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to protect your lower back.
- Shoulders should remain relaxed and away from your ears.
- Focus on controlled movements rather than speed.
- Keep your feet together during the twist for stability.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the lower back curve excessively.
- Moving the hips instead of the torso.
- Not engaging the core fully.
Modifications
- For a beginner, keep your feet on the ground.
- Increase difficulty by holding a weight or pausing at each side.
Exercises

Back Extension, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Hamstrings, Glutes

Back Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Hamstrings, Glutes

Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs

Bent Over One Arm Row, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms, Chest

Bent Over Row, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Bent Over Row, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Bent Over Row, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Bent Over Row, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Bent Over Row, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Bent Over Row, Leverage Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Chin Up, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Chin Up, Leverage Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

High Row, Cable
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

High Row, Leverage Machine
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Incline Row, Barbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Incline Row, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest

Inverted Row, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms, Chest

Kneeling Pulldown, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Back
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Chest, Triceps
