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Last updated February 2, 2026
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abs
Russian Twist (Legs Up) (Weighted)
Balance on your glutes with legs in the air. Hold a weight plate and twist your torso side to side. Keep your legs as steady as possible.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
side abs / obliques
Secondary
abs
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
plate
Movement pattern
Alternate
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsplus_weight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
- Lean back slightly while keeping your back straight, and lift your feet off the ground so your shins are parallel to the floor.
- Step 2Grab the Weight
- Hold a weight (such as a dumbbell or a medicine ball) with both hands in front of your chest.
- Ensure that your arms are extended straight out in front of you, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body.
- Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your spine as you prepare to twist.
- Step 4Perform the Twist
- Rotate your torso to the right, bringing the weight beside your hip while keeping your legs stable.
- Ensure your head follows the movement of your torso for proper alignment.
- Step 5Return to Center
- Twist back to the center position, maintaining control of the weight.
- Keep your core engaged as you prepare for the next twist.
- Step 6Twist to the Left
- Rotate your torso to the left, bringing the weight beside your left hip.
- Again, ensure your head follows the movement for proper alignment.
- Step 7Repeat
- Continue alternating twists from right to left for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining good form and engaging your core throughout the exercise.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the weight back to the floor.
- Sit upright and take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on to your next exercise.