10 Best Medicine Ball Full Twist Alternatives for Core Strength

Ranked Medicine Ball Full Twist Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Medicine Ball Full Twist on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

1. Best match

   

   1. Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs

   99% match

   • Abs
   • Kettlebell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   A good swap when you have a kettlebell to work with, and it still works the abs.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Place one kettlebell between your legs and take a comfortable stance. Bend over by pushing your butt out and keeping your back flat.
   2. Pick up a kettlebell and pass it to your other hand between your legs, in the fashion of a "W". Go back and forth for several repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
2. 

   2. Landmine 180's

   98% match

   • Abs
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   A good swap when you have a barbell to work with, and it still works the abs.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Position a bar into a landmine or securely anchor it in a corner. Load the bar to an appropriate weight.
   2. Raise the bar from the floor, taking it to shoulder height with both hands with your arms extended in front of you. Adopt a wide stance. This will be your starting position.
   3. Perform the movement by rotating the trunk and hips as you swing the weight all the way down to one side. Keep your arms extended throughout the exercise.
   4. Reverse the motion to swing the weight all the way to the opposite side.
   5. Continue alternating the movement until the set is complete.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
3. Play demonstration

   3. Kettlebell Figure 8

   96% match

   • Abs
   • Kettlebell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in one hand.
   2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight.
   3. Pass the kettlebell between your legs, switching hands as it reaches the back of your legs.
   4. As the kettlebell comes forward, pass it to the other hand between your legs.
   5. Continue passing the kettlebell between your legs in a figure 8 motion.
   6. Maintain a steady pace and engage your core throughout the exercise.
   7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Medicine Ball Full Twist
4. Play demonstration

   4. Landmine 180

   91% match

   • Abs
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the barbell with both hands in front of your chest.
   2. Bend your knees slightly and rotate your torso to the right, swinging the barbell down towards your right hip.
   3. As you reach the bottom of the movement, quickly reverse the motion and rotate your torso to the left, swinging the barbell up and across your body towards your left shoulder.
   4. Continue this twisting motion, alternating sides, for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
5. Play demonstration

   5. Barbell Side Bent

   88% match

   • Abs
   • Barbell
   • Beginner
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell with both hands, palms facing down.
   2. Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.
   3. Slowly bend your torso to the right side, lowering the barbell towards your right knee.
   4. Pause for a moment, then return to the starting position.
   5. Repeat the movement on the left side.
   6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
6. Play demonstration

   6. Spell Caster

   88% match

   • Abs
   • Dumbbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   A good swap when you have dumbbells to work with, and it still works the abs.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand.
   2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the waist, keeping your back straight.
   3. Extend your arm with the dumbbell towards the opposite foot, rotating your torso as you do so.
   4. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
   5. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Medicine Ball Full Twist
7. 

   7. Plate Twist

   87% match

   • Abs
   • Other
   • Intermediate
   • Isolation

   Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the abs.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Lie down on the floor or an exercise mat with your legs fully extended and your upper body upright. Grab the plate by its sides with both hands out in front of your abdominals with your arms slightly bent.
   2. Slowly cross your legs near your ankles and lift them up off the ground. Your knees should also be bent slightly. Note: Move your upper body back slightly to help keep you balanced turning this exercise. This is the starting position.
   3. Move the plate to the left side and touch the floor with it. Breathe out as you perform that movement.
   4. Come back to the starting position as you breathe in and then repeat the movement but this time to the right side of the body. Tip: Use a slow controlled movement at all times. Jerking motions can injure the back.
   5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: anti-rotation twist, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
8. Play demonstration

   8. Sledge Hammer

   87% match

   • Abs
   • Other
   • Advanced
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the sledge hammer with both hands.
   2. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
   3. Swing the sledge hammer down towards the ground, using your core and upper body strength.
   4. As you swing down, pivot your hips and transfer the force to the hammer.
   5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Medicine Ball Full Twist
9. Play demonstration

   9. Assisted Motion Russian Twist

   86% match

   • Abs
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Isolation

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
   2. Hold the medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest.
   3. Lean back slightly, engaging your abs and keeping your back straight.
   4. Slowly twist your torso to the right, bringing the medicine ball towards the right side of your body.
   5. Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing the medicine ball towards the left side of your body.
   6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: anti-rotation twist, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
   • Body position: seated, not standing
10. 

    10. Barbell Side Bend

    84% match

    • Abs
    • Barbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation

    How to perform this exercise

    1. Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
    2. While keeping your back straight and your head up, bend only at the waist to the right as far as possible. Breathe in as you bend to the side. Then hold for a second and come back up to the starting position as you exhale. Tip: Keep the rest of the body stationary.
    3. Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
    4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches

    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Medicine Ball Full Twist
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Medicine Ball Full Twist