Core · Kettlebell
Kettlebell Russian Twist
How to do the kettlebell russian twist, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Kettlebell
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Rotation
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Sit on the floor holding a kettlebell with both hands in front of your chest, knees bent and heels down or lifted for more challenge. Lean back slightly to engage your core, then rotate your torso to one side, bringing the kettlebell toward the floor beside your hip. Rotate back through center to the other side, keeping the movement controlled.
- 1Rotate from your torso so you feel your obliques engage on each side
- 2Keep your spine tall and chest lifted as you twist
- 3Hold tension in your core throughout the full range
Common mistakes
- Do not let your arms swing the weight; drive the rotation from your trunk
- Avoid rounding your back or leaning too far backward
- Do not rush; control the kettlebell side to side
Muscles worked
The kettlebell russian twist mainly works the obliques, with the upper abs, lower abs, lats, and side delts assisting.
- ObliquesPrimary
- Upper AbsSupport
- Lower AbsSupport
- LatsSupport
- Side DeltsSupport
- Upper TrapsMinor
- QuadsMinor
- GlutesMinor
Kovo programs the kettlebell 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.