Is Russian twist a muscular exercise?

Russian twists strengthen your core, obliques, and spine . “It’s a total core exercise that also works your balance, builds stability in your spine, and trims your mid-section all at once,” says Donohoe.

The Russian twist is a simple abdominal exercise for working the core, shoulders, and hips. It is typically performed in repetitive sets and tones the core muscles via a twisting motion focused around the abdomen.

While it is a core exercise , the Russian twist works more than just your abs, or rectus abdominus, the muscles that run vertically along the front of your abdomen. When you maintain that flexed position—like in the top part of sit-up—you are hitting those rectus abdominis muscles, says Miklaus.