Russian Twist

Pixie · 08-29-2008, 06:12 AM

Can someone describe the "right" way to do this, please?

I've seen it down like a crunch with twist up at the top in both directions and then return to laying down. Or, with shoulders on a stability ball twisting from side to side. Or, with a barbell that looks like it's in a grappler twisting from one side to another.

I get that this all works the obliques, but these seem like 3 different exercises under the same name... I'm confused.

Pan · 08-29-2008, 06:26 AM

You lay on your back as if to do a sit up. You pull your back up off the floor, holding a weight plate you twist from side to side. There is a sweet spot in terms of how much you hold your back up off the floor.

Also IMO the barbell thing is better done with a dumbbell or a weight plate. All of these movements were intended to be done explosively because they were originally implemented by throwers (javelin, hammer, shot etc.)

Pixie · 08-29-2008, 06:31 AM

Thanks, Pan.

Do you twist right then left and return to that laying down position and count that as one, or do you stay up for your whole set of twists?

bigdamray · 08-29-2008, 03:19 PM

I thought a Russian Twist was an overseas hooker!!

Pan · 08-29-2008, 08:02 PM

Your back stays off the floor for the entire set. Its a good exercise for rotational trunk strength, hence why throwers use it. Handy tip, if you are having problems keeping off the floor while doing this exercise I recommend a decline bench. I love using the decline bench for weighted sit ups and this adds another dimension to it. Its also easier to use a bigger weight plate than on the floor.

SaladFork · 08-29-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdamray

I thought a Russian Twist was an overseas hooker!!

That would be a Russian Trick, not Twist hehe.

And like Pan says, using a bench seems to work best for me also, decline situp bench, less stress on my back. Hold a dumbell in front of you arms at 90, move from left to right. I do them fairly slow and my last few reps I hold to the side then bring back to the top to help build separation.

A L · 08-29-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdamray

I thought a Russian Twist was an overseas hooker!!

It's actually when you get 2 at the same time.

Evidence · 09-12-2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdamray

I thought a Russian Twist was an overseas hooker!!

I was going to say either that or a nice vodka drink to order in a stripclub?

I have done a variation of these with a parnter sitting right next to you facing the same way and you toss a medicine ball over to them as you twist and repeat while your feet are off the ground the whole time. Very hard for larger guys, but a good core exercise. (as stated above always good to mix in throwing motions for throwing athletes :-)

08-29-2008, 06:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
Pixie Gold Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,105 Rep Power: 150887	Russian Twist Can someone describe the "right" way to do this, please? I've seen it down like a crunch with twist up at the top in both directions and then return to laying down. Or, with shoulders on a stability ball twisting from side to side. Or, with a barbell that looks like it's in a grappler twisting from one side to another. I get that this all works the obliques, but these seem like 3 different exercises under the same name... I'm confused. __________________

08-29-2008, 06:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
Pixie Gold Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,105 Rep Power: 150887	Thanks, Pan. Do you twist right then left and return to that laying down position and count that as one, or do you stay up for your whole set of twists? __________________

08-29-2008, 03:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigdamray Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Richland Hills, Texas Posts: 7,314 Rep Power: 338654	I thought a Russian Twist was an overseas hooker!! __________________

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08-29-2008, 06:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
Pan Gold Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 290 Rep Power: 34043	You lay on your back as if to do a sit up. You pull your back up off the floor, holding a weight plate you twist from side to side. There is a sweet spot in terms of how much you hold your back up off the floor. Also IMO the barbell thing is better done with a dumbbell or a weight plate. All of these movements were intended to be done explosively because they were originally implemented by throwers (javelin, hammer, shot etc.)

08-29-2008, 08:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Pan Gold Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 290 Rep Power: 34043	Your back stays off the floor for the entire set. Its a good exercise for rotational trunk strength, hence why throwers use it. Handy tip, if you are having problems keeping off the floor while doing this exercise I recommend a decline bench. I love using the decline bench for weighted sit ups and this adds another dimension to it. Its also easier to use a bigger weight plate than on the floor.