Cable Russian Twists

A beginner strength exercise for the abs, done with a cable machine and an exercise ball.

Movement guide

Cable Russian Twists

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA cable machine + Exercise ball

Muscle focusAbs

Written instructions available. A verified 3D demonstration has not been built for this variation.

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Cable Russian TwistsBeginner · A cable machine + Exercise ball

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Russian twist with a weight demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRussian twist with a weightIntermediate · Medicine ball

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Connect a standard handle attachment, and position the cable to a middle pulley position.
Lie on a stability ball perpendicular to the cable and grab the handle with one hand. You should be approximately arm's length away from the pulley, with the tension of the weight on the cable.
Grab the handle with both hands and fully extend your arms above your chest. You hands should be directly in-line with the pulley. If not, adjust the pulley up or down until they are.
Keep your hips elevated and abs engaged. Rotate your torso away from the pulley for a full-quarter rotation. Your body should be flat from head to knees.
Pause for a moment and in a slow and controlled manner reset to the starting position. You should still have side tension on the cable in the resting position.
Then, reposition and repeat the same series of movements on the opposite side.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Abs.

Equipment

A cable machine + Exercise ball

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

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Barbell rollout from the knees demonstrated on the 3D figure

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Cable press and rotation demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable press and rotationIntermediate · A cable machine

Cable reverse crunch demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable reverse crunchIntermediate · A cable machine

Cable wood chop demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable wood chopAdvanced · A cable machine

Dumbbell side bend demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell side bendIntermediate · A dumbbell

Farmer's carry demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoFarmer's carryBeginner · A dumbbell + A kettlebell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Cable Russian Twists work?

Mainly the abs.

What equipment do I need for the Cable Russian Twists?

A cable machine + Exercise ball.

Is the Cable Russian Twists good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Russian twist with a weight.

How do I make the Cable Russian Twists harder?

Progress to the Russian twist with a weight, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.