How to Do a Barbell Twist

The barbell twist is a weightlifting exercise that targets the abdominal muscles known as the obliques. The obliques run down both sides of your rectus abdominis and play a role in torso rotation. Whether you're trying to build your core strength or increase your body's flexibility, the barbell twist is a way to bulk up your obliques without using a tremendous amount of weight.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand with your back straight and your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Flex your knees slightly to keep them from locking up.

    • 2

      Place a barbell just behind the base of your neck so that it rests on your shoulders. Grasp it with both hands placed outside your shoulders, with your palms facing forward.

    • 3

      Brace your abdominals, then twist your trunk as far as you can to your left. Avoid twisting your hips or knees. The rotational movement should come entirely from your torso as you keep your hips facing forward for the duration of the twist. Your eyes should remain focused directly ahead of you.

    • 4

      Twist your torso back to your starting position, then slowly twist as far as you comfortably can to your right, keeping your hips and head facing forward. Once you have twisted as far as you can go, return to your starting position. This is one rep. Try doing 10 to 20 reps at first, and gradually increase both the number of reps and the amount of weight on the barbell as you progress in this exercise.