Medicine ball

Russian twist

Adding a medicine ball to this core exercise increases resistance and quickly makes you stronger. The twisting movement targets your obliques, and the suspended leg position improves lower-body stabilization.

Exercise profile

Equipment

Medicine ball

Primary muscle group

Abdominals

Secondary muscle groups

lower back, legs, shoulders

1 Sit on the floor and hold a medicine ball at your chest with both hands. Bend your knees and raise your feet until your shins are parallel to the floor. Lean back and engage your core to stay upright.

2 Exhale and draw your navel towards your spine. Use your core to rotate your upper body, bringing the medicine ball to your left side.

3 Inhale and return to the centre, then exhale and rotate to your right. Inhale and return to the centre again. That is one rep. Alternate rotating to each side for the number of reps given in your workout, without letting your feet or back fall.

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Easier variation

Bodyweight Russian twist

Perform the exercise as described, but without a medicine ball. Clasp your hands together. You can also rest your heels lightly on the floor.