Core
The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Exercise guide
Cable Russian Twists
Cable Russian Twists is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed with a cable station.
Cable
The equipment listed for this variation.
Beginner
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Core
No secondary muscle group is listed for this variation.
Strength
Movement pattern: core. This is a compound exercise.
Beginner
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
Instructions
How to do Cable Russian Twists
- Connect a standard handle attachment, and position the cable to a middle pulley position.
- Lie on a stability ball perpendicular to the cable and grab the handle with one hand. You should be approximately arm's length away from the pulley, with the tension of the weight on the cable.
- Grab the handle with both hands and fully extend your arms above your chest. You hands should be directly in-line with the pulley. If not, adjust the pulley up or down until they are.
- Keep your hips elevated and abs engaged. Rotate your torso away from the pulley for a full-quarter rotation. Your body should be flat from head to knees.
- Pause for a moment and in a slow and controlled manner reset to the starting position. You should still have side tension on the cable in the resting position.
- Repeat the same movement to failure.
- Then, reposition and repeat the same series of movements on the opposite side.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
Beginner Gym Workout
A beginner-friendly gym session built around stable machines and simple cable patterns.
View workoutCore Workout
A direct core session built around control, trunk stiffness, and consistent tension.
View workout30-Minute Fat Loss Workout
A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
3/4 Sit-Up
3/4 Sit-Up is a beginner-friendly core exercise using body weight.
View exerciseCable Crunch
Cable Crunch is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed with a cable station.
View exerciseBarbell Ab Rollout
Barbell Ab Rollout is an intermediate-level core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the back and shoulders.
View exerciseBarbell Ab Rollout - On Knees
Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees is an expert-level core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the back and shoulders.
View exerciseRelated tools
Related calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
FAQ
Common questions about Cable Russian Twists.
What muscles does Cable Russian Twists work?
Cable Russian Twists primarily trains the core.
Is Cable Russian Twists beginner-friendly?
Yes. It is listed as beginner-friendly.
What equipment do I need for Cable Russian Twists?
This variation uses a cable station.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.