Seated Barbell Twist
A waist exercise targeting the abdominals, performed with barbell.
How to do Seated Barbell Twist
Start out by sitting at the end of a flat bench with a barbell placed on top of your thighs. Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other.
Grip the bar with your palms facing down and make sure your hands are wider than shoulder width apart from each other. Begin to lift the barbell up over your head until your arms are fully extended.
Now lower the barbell behind your head until it is resting along the base of your neck. This is the starting position.
While keeping your feet and head stationary, move your waist from side to side so that your oblique muscles feel the contraction. Only move from side to side as far as your waist will allow you to go. Stretching or moving too far can cause an injury to occur. Tip: Use a slow and controlled motion.
Remember to breathe out while twisting your body to the side and in when moving back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Primary (target)
Secondary
Related exercises
Track Seated Barbell Twist in NutriMind
Log your sets and the app does the rest — automatic PR detection, progression charts for every lift, and progressive overload that adjusts your next workout. Paired with AI nutrition coaching so your training and your plate pull in the same direction.
Planning your next heavy session? Estimate your max with the One Rep Max Calculator and build up to it with the Warm-up Calculator. More free tools →