The range of motion of the human body is amazing, but common strength training exercises often skip twisting motion. For instance squats and lunges only move in two planes, but you can add rotations into your strength training routine. I highly recommend doing so, for twisting is part of staying functionally fit – we twist in everyday life so we should train with twists too. First warm up your spine with some simple twisting motion like with this Pilates move aptly named the Twist, or something a little more complicated like Lying T Dancer . Then add spinal rotations to some basic weight training exercises. To learn how, read more. Lunges : You can easily add twisting motion to your lunges – both forward and side. Once you have lunged forward, keep your pelvis stable and square and rotate your ribs to both the left and the right and then return to the starting position. Or lunge out to the right, then reach your left

hand to your right foot. Return to upright and repeat on the other side. Ab work : Working your abs with rotation is great for your obliques and your spinal health. If you have an exercise ball, doing abs with a twist is a perfect way to work your obliques. Don’t forget the bicycle crunch to work your twist. Or try the seated Russian Twist since it incorporates spinal rotation and you can safely add weight to this exercise using a dumbbell or a medicine ball. Push-ups : One of my favorite all body exercises, push-ups are perfect for twisting. Try the grasshopper push-up or the push-up with a T . Planks : You can even add a twist to your planks. Try the elbow plank with rotated knee . The side plank with a twist is another variation to try. What is your favorite exercise with a twist?

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Put a Twist on Your Fitness Routine