Russian twist

Work your waist and get your sides strong with the Russian twist

If you’re in pursuit of the perfect mid-section, then make sure you work those obliques – yep, they’re you’re side muscles. Moves that target the obliques with tighten and tone your sides, whittle your waist and give you a solid stomach all round. We love the Russian twist, one of the simplest but effective oblique exercises out there. All you need is a weight – medicine ball, kettlebell or dumbbell – and you’re set!

Russian twist – We Heart Living

Instructions

Holding a weight in front of your chest, sit on the floor with legs suspended and upper body reclined.

Twist your upper body, taking the weight to one side then twist the other way doing the same.

Repeat.

Top tips:

Keep you shoulders back – don’t hunch.

Engage your core to prevent the lower back from straining or overarching.

The straighter your legs, the more challenging it is.

Keep the weight quite close to your body throughout.