Are twist-motion situps any better than straight ones?

[master.on]

For ab training,
are twist motion situps (situps where you twist your spine a little bit, i.e. your left triceps touches your right knee in the top position, and viceversa right/left) any better than straight ones (when your left triceps touches your left knee)?

 

[Switcher]

Depending on the reason for doing this movement, yes or no.

It pays to understand what each are supposed to accomplish and why. Obviously, ones that 'twist' also provide greater emphasis on the obliques. Likewise, when emphasis is moved to the obliques, emphasis is lessened on the upper abs. This could be advantageous or not. Keep in mind, there are other ways to target the obliques.

As you build a regimen to target your abs, consider all aspects of the muscle group and how you will target the area. If this is a new area for you, you may be best served by using someone else's routine to start. As you use other people's routines, determine what you believe works best for you in terms of frequency, volume, and exercises. When you determine those variables, you will determine whether this exercise is relevant and/or better than any other.

 

[LeoTC]

As stated above.

But if you're working from a performance/functionality standpoint there are better alternatives for improving rotational stability.

That said, if you dont have any gear they'll do.

 

[notdeadYET]

Why sit-ups? IMO there are better exercises. Basic movements (squats/dead’s) will engage your core enough. And I do throw in leg raises, planks, shit like that.

 

[LeoTC]

Regular weighted decline situps are super under appreciated. They're a huge part of building strong lower abdominals and too many people ignore them.

Until they get that hot poker tearing pain on a heavy squat anyway.

Toe to bar leg raises are fucking king. Especially once you get to the point where you're weighting them. Dragon Flags are a close second.

Planks are pretty worthless at a point, except as a resting movement. I can hold a plank all day. :/


Speaking specifically to the obliques though?

Russian Twists, Turkish Get Ups, Band Step-outs, Windmills, Landmine 180's, Cable Side Bends, and hanging 180's are all killer and can be done in most every gym or at home.

The step outside are surprisingly fucking killer if I'm being honest. Can't speak to physique goals though. My trunk is THICC, but I train for performance and self flagellation purposes. XD