Russian twist

Primary Muscles: Obliques Deep abs, Back muscles

Your torso should be bent at about a 45 degree angle to the floor, back straight. Keep your feet together throughout the exercise and your arms locked and level with the bottom of your ribcage. Your feet can be kept flat on the floor, or for a more challenging exercise, hold them slightly above the ground. The slower you twist the harder the exercise becomes. When moving your arms, try not to stop between reps and remember never to hold your breath.

1. Start laying on the floor with knees bent as in the “sit-up” position. Place your feet together, heels on the floor with the toes pointed up.

2. Raise your back and angle your torso so that your back is at about 45 degrees to the floor (but be careful and don’t round your back, keep it straight). Put your arms straight out in front of your with your hands locked together. Keep your arms level with the bottom of your ribcage.

3. Pull your navel to your spine and twist slowly and swing your arms to the left.

4. Inhale through the center position, pausing briefly.

5. Pull your navel to your spine and twist slowly and swing your arms to the right.