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Russian Twist

Russian Twist | Seated Oblique Twist with Medicine Ball

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 22, 2013

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Russian Twist

Seated Oblique Twist

Photo (c) Matt Henry Gunther / Getty Images
Seated oblique twists with medicine ball, sometimes called a Russian Twist, is a very effective exercise for strengthening the abdominal muscles, particularly the rectus abdominis, the external obliques and internal obliques.

How to do it right:

  • Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor (easier) or raised up off the floor (more difficult).
  • Contract your abs and sit at about a 45 degrees angle.
  • Hold the medicine ball with both hands directly in front of you.
  • Contracting your abs, twist slowly from your torso to your right and touch the medicine ball to the floor beside you.
  • Quickly, but smoothly, contract your abs and twist your torso and touch the medicine ball to the other side.
  • Repeat for the desired number of reps.

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