STOP Doing Russian Twists Like This! (SAVE A FRIEND)

When performing Russian Twists for six pack abs, there's one mistake that you have to avoid at all costs if you want to see the results you're looking for when it comes to your abs.

The Russian Twist is a great exercise for targeting the obliques due to the fact that the exercise inherently requires rotation of the core to perform the exercise in the first place. As we know, rotation is key for development of the obliques.

The mistake people make with the Russian Twist that I see all too often is that they are not allowing their torso to rotate as much as needed to influence the obliques to their maximal engagement. Instead of rotating their body, they simply tap their hands to the ground on each side, often times too quickly as well. Add in the fact that if you are simply tapping to each side, you are now turning the Russian Twist into an isometric exercise with very little benefit to your six pack.

I like to call this version of the exercise the Russian Tap, instead of the Russian Twist.

There is an easy fix to this common mistake when you're looking to develop your abs. Instead of tapping your hands on the ground to each side without much rotation, actively rotate your body in space. You can visualize this by trying to actively row your elbow back behind your body to each side. When you try to row your elbows back and behind you, you will ensure that you are getting proper rotation to target the obliques and develop the six pack you've been seeking.

So, when it comes to building six pack abs, you'll want to avoid the mistake of turning the Russian Twist into the Russian Tap. Thankfully the mistake is easy to correct and making the simple change will benefit your abs as well - not just in appearance, but strength and performance as well.

For more ways to prevent yourself from making common exercise mistakes so you never have to sacrifice your gains, be sure to stay tuned to this channel and remember to subscribe so that you never miss another video from a physical therapist with a pro sports background as a PT and strength coach.

You can do that here.

Jeff Cavaliere MSPT, CSCS served as both the head physical therapist and assistant strength coach for the New York Mets. Jeff earned his Masters of Physical Therapy and Bachelor’s of Physioneurobiology from the College of Health Sciences University of Connecticut Storrs. He is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

[tronpig]

This makes sense as too why canoeing is a solid ab workout

[TheManic.-OH]

Im annoyed your channel never pops up in my feed. This is the first time I've seen a short from you and ive been subbed for years, and i can't remeber the last time i got recommended athleanx videos. Maybe its my fault for being a lazy pos 😅

[martinhugo]

Always I had lower back pain when I do Russian twist

[broncoramfan]

Oh dam, I've been doing the tap. Ima start doing the row

[Nick-ddxg]

I really like your videos man, I've been going to the gym for 3 months and I've been seeing some results, my wife has been seeing some results, but I don't feel like I've been seeing the results that I've been looking for in this amount of time. I have like a bunch of your videos recently and when I go back to the gym on Monday I'm going to do a good workout following your videos.

[helemepasene]

Nice! Thanks for another good one to remember.

[JeanetteTinoco-lv]

This video really opened my eyes to the common mistakes we make during Russian Twists. I never realized how important torso rotation was for targeting the obliques effectively.

[lawrencehutson]

The problem with this is that if ur not real careful u can hurt ur back, especially if ur doing it with a weight

[NerdGohan]

I literally do not have the balance to do a Russian twist.

[dfreed]

Thanks Jeff. I will start doing this tomorrow

[ItsLeprechaunDoge]

His feet are on the ground. They are supposed to be off of the ground which is somthing he is doing wrong.

[marcinsala]

Not 100% sure, but didnt you mention also something about rotating your whole torso, like trying to look behind to ensure you're actually rotating? Not sure if it was in YT video or Core4 program.

[pcp.]

He's a Licensed Physical Therapist, I know I have one, they know how to individualize your training.

[liul]

I thought that, rotating in a flexed position is bar for the back, it creates friction at the lumbar discs

[bluedrop]

Ｉ suggest the beginners to put your feet on the ground first. Easier to do and lower risk of back pain due to your core is still not strong enough to support your back.

[zerox]

I just twist as much as i can until resistance. Thats how you know you are doing it correct.

[tuberoses]

Laughing hard at your facial expression at the very beginning demo 😂

[dandrews]

OHH ths why I’ve seen ppl leave weights by the rowing machine ?

[lawrencehutson]

Why would I do it without a weight ? And as I said I have hurt my back when doing it - I’m 66 years old and I do this almost everyday with 15 or 20 pound dumbbell - I would like to see an example to do it right with weight 🙏

[DJmicaiah]

Something is better than nothing. Some people have limitations