The Caveman’s Essential Exercises: Russian Twist

Get a start on your New Year’s Resolutions with this ab-toning exercise. The Russian Twist targets your obliques, but your deep abs and back muscles work together to support your spine while your rotate.

1. Start seated on the floor with knees bent as in the “sit-up” position. Keep your feet together – put your heels on the floor with the toes pointed up. Your torso should be bent back at about 45 degrees to the floor – But be careful and don’t round your back, keep it straight.

2.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. Inhale through center and rotate to the right. Each swing to the a side counts as one rep. The slower you twist the harder the exercise becomes. When moving your arms, try not to stop between reps. Remember not to hold your breath.

4. For a more difficult exercise, hold a weight and slightly bend your elbows. You can also hold your legs slightly off the ground to engage your abs more.