Cable Standing Russian Twist (Left)

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Intermediate

A standing cable exercise that rotates the torso to target obliques and abs, building rotational strength and core stability for functional movements and sports.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Position the cable machine at chest height with a single-handle attachment. Stand perpendicular to the machine with your left side facing the stack, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Grasp the handle with both hands, arms extended straight out, and engage your core.

  1. Exhale and rotate your torso to the left, pulling the handle across your body.
  2. Keep arms straight and extended in front of your chest.
  3. Allow hips and feet to pivot slightly left for natural rotation.
  4. Rotate until the handle reaches hip height on your left side.
  5. Pause briefly to engage your core fully.
  6. Inhale and return to starting position under control.
  7. Repeat for reps on the left side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Twist from the core
  • Arms follow torso
  • Neutral spine always
  • Slight hip pivot
  • Controlled speed
  • Engage abs fully

Breathing

Exhale during the rotation to the left; inhale as you return to the center. Brace your core throughout.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms extended toward the cable anchor; rotate torso left until handle passes midline and reaches hip height, maintaining neutral spine.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain exists
  • Use light weight to maintain form
  • Stop if spinal discomfort occurs
  • Ensure stable footing
  • Consult professional for imbalances

Spotting

No spotting required; use cable machine's adjustable weight stack for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum instead of core
  • Arching or rounding back
  • Excessive hip sway
  • Locked elbows
  • Incomplete rotation
  • Releasing core tension

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Recent spinal surgery
  • Severe shoulder instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate thoracic rotation
  • Hip mobility for pivoting

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing technique
  • Familiarity with rotational movements

Also known as

Standing Cable Oblique Twist Left, Cable Torso Rotation Left, Single-Side Cable Twist Left

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