Core · Dumbbell
Dumbbell Straight Leg Russian Twist
How to do the dumbbell straight leg russian twist, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Rotation
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight out and heels lightly off the ground, holding a dumbbell in both hands. Lean back slightly and rotate your torso side to side, tapping the dumbbell toward the floor on each side.
- 1Rotate from your trunk and feel your obliques drive each twist
- 2Keep your chest tall and legs straight so your core stays loaded
- 3Control the dumbbell across your body rather than letting it swing
Common mistakes
- Don't move only your arms; the rotation comes from your torso
- Avoid rounding your back or collapsing as you lean back
- Don't rush; slow, controlled twists keep tension on the obliques
Muscles worked
The dumbbell straight leg russian twist mainly works the obliques, with the upper abs, lower abs, hip flexors, and quads assisting.
- ObliquesPrimary
- Upper AbsSupport
- Lower AbsSupport
- Hip FlexorsSupport
- QuadsSupport
- ForearmsMinor
- LatsMinor
- Lower BackMinor
- GlutesMinor
- HamstringsMinor
Kovo programs the dumbbell straight leg russian twist for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More abs & core exercises
- How to do the ab wheel rollout
- How to do the ankle tap plank
- How to do the ankle taps
- How to do the resistance band dead bugs
- How to do the resistance band pallof press
- How to do the rollout
Last reviewed June 2026.