Core · Bodyweight
Russian Twist on a Padded Stool
How to do the russian twist on a padded stool, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Rotation
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Sit on a padded stool and lean back slightly so your core is engaged, feet on the floor for balance. Hold your hands together in front of your chest and rotate your torso from side to side, twisting from the waist.
- 1Obliques driving each rotation as you twist side to side
- 2Spine tall and shoulders down through the movement
- 3Controlled tension in your core, not your arms
Common mistakes
- Letting your arms lead instead of your torso
- Rounding your back or leaning too far back
- Rushing the twist; slow it down to stay in control
Muscles worked
The russian twist on a padded stool mainly works the obliques, with the upper abs and lower abs assisting.
- ObliquesPrimary
- Upper AbsSupport
- Lower AbsSupport
- LatsMinor
- Lower BackMinor
- Upper TrapsMinor
- QuadsMinor
- GlutesMinor
- Side DeltsMinor
- Hip FlexorsMinor
Kovo programs the russian twist on a padded stool 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.