Medicine Ball Russian Twists - Martial Arts Core Exercise

This page will teach you how to do Medicine Ball Russian Twists. This advanced core exercise is designed to improve arm, shoulder and core strength. This is a seated exercise that martial artists use to improve their core rotational or twisting power. In turn, stronger rotational power helps martial artists to generate more powerful punches, kicks and grappling techniques. However, since a person needs to lean back in this exercise and twist, it places pressure on the lower back. Experts do not recommend this exercise for anyone with a back problem.

Rather than using a medicine ball, some martial artists use a lightweight barbell plate or dumbbell in order to perform Russian twists. This exercise can also be performed without a medicine ball.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor to ensure the proper technique is being utilized and to avoid potential injuries. For other medicine ball exercises, please visit the main Medicine Ball Workouts section.