Watermarked 360p preview. Through the API this animation plays without the watermark at 600 × 720, 30 fps. See plans
Waist · Cable
Cable Twist
Cable Twist is a beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs (waist), with the shoulders assisting. It needs a cable. 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
- Cable
- Category
- Strength
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Sets × reps
- 3 × 10-15
- Calories / min
- ≈ 4.3 kcal
Primary muscles
- Abdominals · Obliques
Secondary muscles
- Abdominals · Rectus Abdominis
- Shoulders · Deltoids
How to do Cable Twist
- Stand sideways to the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart. Attach a handle to the pulley at shoulder height and grasp it with both hands, arms extended in front of you.
- Twist your torso away from the machine, pulling the handle across your body while keeping your arms straight.
- Slowly return to the starting position with control.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.
Form tips
- Perform the movement slowly and with control to maximize muscle activation and reduce injury risk.
- Exhale as you twist away from the machine and inhale as you return to the starting position.
- Minimize hip twisting to focus on engaging your obliques and core during the twist.
Cable Twist alternatives
More abs exercises
Cable Twist FAQ
What muscles does Cable Twist work?
Cable Twist mainly works the abs in the waist (Obliques). The shoulders work as secondary muscles.
What equipment do you need for Cable Twist?
You need a cable.
How many sets and reps of Cable 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 Cable Twist good for beginners?
Yes. Cable Twist is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the abs.
How many calories does Cable 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 Cable Twist?
Other exercises for the abs include Plate Russian Twist, Barbell Seated Twist, Russian Twist With Medicine Ball and Plate Standing Twist.
For developers
Use Cable 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_JIBZJU" \ -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" { "id": "ex_JIBZJU", "name": "Cable Twist", "model": "male", "target": "Abs", "equipment": "Cable", "media": { "mp4": "https://…/ex_JIBZJU/mp4-720.mp4?…", "poster": "https://…/ex_JIBZJU/poster.jpg?…" } }