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Dumbbell Russian Twist

Beginner
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Seated torso rotation holding a dumbbell that targets obliques and rectus abdominis to build rotational core strength and stability; commonly scaled by elevating feet or adding weight.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
Conditioning

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

8/10

Rectus Abdominis

Abs

7/10

Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet flat. Hold a dumbbell with both hands at chest level and lean torso back to form a V with thighs.

  1. Engage core and rotate torso to the right, guiding dumbbell toward floor beside hip.
  2. Return to center with control.
  3. Rotate torso to the left, guiding dumbbell toward floor beside other hip.
  4. Maintain straight back and stable lower body throughout.
  5. Alternate sides in a controlled rhythm.
  6. Keep gaze following the dumbbell.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Twist from core
  • Keep back straight
  • Eyes follow weight
  • Brace abs tight
  • Hips stay planted

Breathing

Inhale as you return to center; exhale during each twist while bracing core.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Rotate torso until dumbbell nears hip level on each side; maintain 45-degree torso lean without rounding spine.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Use light weight to maintain form
  • Stop if spinal discomfort occurs
  • Feet on floor for beginners

Spotting

No spotting required; perform in open space with mat for comfort.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back
  • Leading with arms
  • Jerky uncontrolled motion
  • Swaying hips
  • Leaning too far back

When to Avoid

  • Lower back injury
  • Spinal disc issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate torso rotation
  • Hip flexion for V-sit

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing
  • Seated balance control

Also known as

Weighted Russian Twist, DB Oblique Twist

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