8 twist exercises for a slimmer waist

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Twist exercises help in burning calories and slimming down your waistline. Try out these best twist exercises for weight loss.

Exercises like crunches, sit-ups, and planks are good for your abs, thighs and legs. But these exercises may not reduce the fat on the sides of the abdomen. Go for twist exercises like the Russian twist, plank twist, and tummy twist exercises. These moves can help you get closer to your desire of a slimmer waist. They can also build core strength and burn calories. Begin incorporating these twist exercises to lose weight and tone your abs.

Best twist exercises

Do the following twist exercises to help you lose fat and achieve a smaller waist, shares fitness coach Yash Agarwal.

A woman doing Russian twist exercise — Twists improve flexibility apart from weight loss. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

1. Russian twist

To do Russian twist, sit on a mat, and gently bend your knees. Your feet should be flat.
Lean slightly.
Hold a weight or clasp your hands together.
Twist your torso, bringing the burden beside your hip then twist to the left.
Repeat for a few repetitions.

2. Oblique V-ups

Lie flat on your right side with your legs together and slightly forward.
Put your right arm on the mat and your left hand behind your head.
Crunch up in a V, getting up on your hip and butt.
Keep your legs straight.

3. Side crunches

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and palms extended overhead.
Settle your abs and crunch to at least one side, bringing your elbow toward your hip.
Return to the center and repeat on the other side.

4. Bicycle crunches

Lie on your back with your arms behind your head and legs lifted, knees bent.
Bring your right elbow towards your left knee while straightening your leg.
Move your legs in a pedaling motion to do the bicycle crunches.

5. Twisting mountain climbers

Begin in a plank function together with your arms under your shoulders.
Take your right knee towards your left elbow then quickly switch legs, bringing your left knee towards your right elbow.
Alternate in a fast-paced movement.

6. Seated knee drop twists

Sit on the mat or ground and bend your knees and feet lifted off the ground.
Lean back to engage your middle.
Twist your torso to the right, losing each knee towards the floor.
Go back to the center and repeat on the opposite side.

7. Wood chop exercise

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining a weight or medicine ball with both arms. Start with the weight overhead.
Maintaining your fingers directly, twist your torso and bring the burden down across your frame closer to the other hip.
Repeat on each side.

8. Twisting plank

Start in a plank position.
Twist your torso to the right, bringing your right hip closer to the ground without letting it contact.
Go back to the center and repeat on the left side.

A woman doing planks — Try twisting plank. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Are there any side effects of twist exercises?

Twist exercises can be safely incorporated into your fitness routine. However, keep the following in mind:

Doing twist exercises with a wrong form can stress the muscle groups of the lower back. So, it is critical to focus on proper alignment and interact with the middle muscle tissues to guide the backbone throughout those movements.
People with pre-existing clinical situations, which include herniated discs, should not do twist exercises or alter them to suit their desires.

Always consult with your doctor or health professionals if you have any underlying health condition.