russian twists

[crazydan]

is it ok to do this with a dumbell instead of a medicine ball?

[Moonduck]

Sure. The medicine ball is used for a coupla reasons. First is that it is harder to hold, thus activating more control muscles. Secondly, it is because medicine balls are more common in some types of gyms, such as boxing gyms, and Russian Twists are popular in boxing gyms.

[crazydan]

so its not worth it to go and buy one right?

[Moonduck]

Buy one? Pssh, go to your local discount store and pick up a playground ball. Use a pair of thin needle-nose pliers to pop out the air valve. Fill the ball with water. Put the valve back in. Instant medicine ball. Mine cost me $3.77 and is one of my all-time favourite pieces of equipment. We use it EVERY session as a warm-up tool. I STRONGLY suggest building one.

[cheesedog]

I bought a cheap basketball at Wal-mart. It's bright yellow and has a big smiley face on it...I just cut a hole in it and filled it with sand and duct taped the hole back up, weighs about 20 lbs. When I get tired I just look at that stupid smile and get mad/disgusted enough to grind out a couple more reps!

[crazydan]

alright I will try to do it.

[EvilElfMaster]

whats a russian twist?

[cheesedog]

The russian twist is a great exercise for the abs, especially obliques. Just sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you, slightly bent. Lean back until your feet come off the floor and you balance on your rear. Holding a medicine ball in your hands you twist as far as you can from one side to the other. Make it harder by holding the ball away from you and twisting as far as possible on each rep. You can also do them on a slant board with your feet anchored.

[crazydan]

or if you have nothing(like me) sit on a bed and have ur upper body hanging off and have someone hold your legs down. then lay back almost flat and twist side to side.