Resistance Oblique Twist

An excellent sports specific exercise that requires lateral body rotation.

Attach a suitable resistance band to a secure object, ideally at waist level, positioning yourself so that there is always a slight resistance on the band, in order to help keep your abdominal muscles contracted.

Commence the movement with both arms extended to one side, grasping a handle on the band. Rotate your trunk around in a smooth motion, taking your arms across your body, around to the other side.

Focus on keeping your back straight, allowing the movement to be made using your abdominal muscles rather than those of your upper body.

This exercise can obviously be made harder with the amount of resistance being applied from the band, however focus on having a medium level of resistance throughout, which will enable you to rotate smoothly in a complete movement, rather than a final jerking phase.

Alternatively by lifting one foot off the floor will increase the muscles being used within the abdominal region.

Beginners should use a very light resistance band, ideally rotating around with arms bent, so that the arms are bent at 90 degrees. Perform 8 - 12 reps each side for 2 sets.

Intermediates look at performing 2 sets of 10 - 15 reps with a suitable resistance band.

Advanced work for 2 - 3 sets of 10 - 15+ reps with a suitable band, aiming to keep the arms straight, with one of the sets having one foot off the ground.