Medicine Ball Russian Twist (legs up) - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Medicine Ball Russian Twist (legs up)

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Medicine Ball Russian Twist (legs up).

MediumObliques

About this exercise

A seated rotational core exercise holding a medicine ball with both legs raised off the floor. Elevating the legs increases the demand on the hip flexors and obliques, making this a more challenging variation of the standard Russian twist.

How to Perform

  • Sit on the floor, lean back to approximately 45 degrees, and raise both legs off the ground
  • Hold a medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest
  • Brace your core and rotate your torso to the right, bringing the ball toward the floor beside your hip
  • Rotate back through center and to the left side in a controlled motion
  • Continue alternating sides while keeping legs elevated and lower back off the floor

Muscle Activation

Primary
Obliques
Secondary
AbsCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Medicine Ball Russian Twist (legs up)

The Medicine Ball Russian Twist (legs up) is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.