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Last updated February 2, 2026
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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025