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Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 GIF — animated core exercise demonstration

Weighted Russian Twist V. 2

Intermediate
Abs
Weighted

Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 works as a standalone core block, and added external load keeps the focus on a trunk that resists rather than folds.

How to do Weighted Russian Twist V. 2

  1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Hold the weight with both hands in front of your chest.
  3. Lean back slightly to engage your core muscles.
  4. Twist your torso to the right, bringing the weight towards the right side of your body.
  5. Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing the weight towards the left side of your body.
  6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 Sets and Reps by Goal

Strength

4 sets of 4-6 reps with 3 minutes of rest. Add the smallest increment that still feels different.

Hypertrophy

4 sets of 8-12 reps with 75-90 seconds of rest. Secure the load before the set so form does not shift.

Endurance

3 sets of 15-20 reps with 45 seconds of rest. Drop the weight and finish clean if position slips.

Common Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 Mistakes

Adding load before the unweighted version is clean

Earn full-range reps with bodyweight first, then add the smallest weight.

Holding your breath through the hardest part of the rep

Exhale as you brace so the ribs stay down and pressure stays controlled.

Easier and Harder Than Weighted Russian Twist V. 2

Swap Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 For

Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 — Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do the Weighted Russian Twist V. 2?

Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold the weight with both hands in front of your chest. Lean back slightly to engage your core muscles. Use added weight and keep the movement controlled through the full range. The animated GIF above shows the complete rep at normal speed.

What muscles does the Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 work?

The Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 primarily targets the abs. It is classified as a core exercise and is performed with added weight.

How many sets and reps of the Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 should I do?

For muscle growth: 4 sets of 8-12 reps with 75-90 seconds of rest. Secure the load before the set so form does not shift. Adjust the load rather than the rep target if form breaks down before the final rep.

Is the Weighted Russian Twist V. 2 good for beginners?

It is an intermediate movement. You will get more out of it once you can already perform the basic core patterns with controlled form. Beginners can still use it with light load and close attention to technique.

What can I do instead of the Weighted Russian Twist V. 2?

Try the Cable Twist (up-down), Roller Body Saw or the Barbell Standing Ab Rollerout. Each trains the abs with a similar movement pattern, so you can swap based on the equipment you have available.

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