Male model ex_NPGIT3

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Waist · Barbell

Barbell Seated Twist

beginnerstrength

Barbell Seated Twist is a beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs (waist), with the abdominals and lower back assisting. It needs a barbell. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 10-15 reps, and it burns about 4.3 calories per minute.

Target
Abs
Body part
Waist
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Push
Sets × reps
3 × 10-15
Calories / min
≈ 4.3 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Obliques · External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Secondary muscles

  • Abdominals · Rectus Abdominis
  • Lower Back · Erector Spinae

How to do Barbell Seated Twist

  1. Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor, holding a barbell across your upper back with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
  2. Begin by rotating your torso to the right, keeping your hips and lower body stationary. Rotate until you feel a stretch in your obliques.
  3. Reverse the movement, rotating your torso to the left, again keeping your hips and lower body stationary.
  4. Repeat the rotation to both sides for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

  • Engage your core muscles to stabilize your spine and maintain proper form.
  • Maintain an upright posture to avoid straining your lower back.
  • Use a weight that allows for proper form and control throughout the exercise to prevent strain or injury.

Barbell Seated Twist alternatives

More abs exercises

Barbell Seated Twist FAQ

What muscles does Barbell Seated Twist work?

Barbell Seated Twist mainly works the abs in the waist (External Obliques and Internal Obliques). The abdominals and lower back work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Barbell Seated Twist?

You need a barbell.

How many sets and reps of Barbell Seated Twist should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Barbell Seated Twist good for beginners?

Yes. Barbell Seated Twist is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the abs.

How many calories does Barbell Seated Twist burn?

About 4.3 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 3.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 43 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Barbell Seated Twist?

Other exercises for the abs include Seated Twist, Cable Twist, Plate Russian Twist and Plate Standing Twist.

For developers

Use Barbell Seated Twist in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_NPGIT3" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_NPGIT3",
  "name": "Barbell Seated Twist",
  "model": "male",
  "target": "Abs",
  "equipment": "Barbell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_NPGIT3/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_NPGIT3/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}