Exercise Directory: Exercise #74: Torso Twist

The Torso Twist is another core exercise that will help strengthen your entire midsection [front and back].

STEP #1: Sit on your bottom on the floor.

STEP #2: Grab a dumbbell [taking the head of each side in a different hand] ... and hold it next to your stomach.

STEP #3: Lean back so that you are balancing on your bottom.

STEP #4: Slowly lift your feet off the floor ... maintaining your balance. If maintaining your balance is an issue when you lift your feet off the floor, leave your heels lightly touching the floor. As you grow stronger, you can gradually move to lifting your feet off the floor.

STEP #5: Draw your belly button in toward your spine. Your midsection should be tight throughout this exercise.

STEP #6: Twist your upper body [along with the dumbbell] as far to the right as you can without straining your back.

​STEP #7: Return the dumbbell and your upper body so it is in alignment with your body.

STEP #8: Next twist your upper body [along with the dumbbell] as far to the left as you can without straining your back.

STEP #9: Return the dumbbell and your upper body so it is in alignment with your body.

​STEP #10: Repeat until you feel your abdominals fatigue.

Photos by Kenny Johnson Photography.