Last Updated on December 13, 2022 by Patrick
This article will describe how to do the standing cable oblique twist exercise and the benefits of doing so. The oblique abdominal muscles are often neglected in workouts, but they play a crucial role in core stability.
The muscle groups this exercise targets is responsible for flexing, rotating and laterally bending the trunk of our body.
When people neglect these muscles it can lead to lower back pain or even pelvic instability.
Standing oblique cable twists help strengthen your core muscles as well as improve your posture.
Are you interested in leveling up your home gym and getting your own cable machine? It turns out you don’t have to break the bank! There are some very affordable cable machines available online! Check it out!
Table of Contents
What is the standing oblique cable twist?
The standing cable oblique twist is an exercise that targets the oblique muscles, specifically the obliques. It also works the serratus anterior, rectus abdominis, pectoralis major, and deltoids muscles.
The exercise is performed in a standing position with a single exercise handle or a rope attachment with a cable pulley.
The user should stand with their shoulders locked into place and elbows lifted up, while facing away from the weight stack. They then turn at the waist while keeping their arms in place, rotating from shoulder to shoulder. It is important that only your core rotates during this movement – do not use momentum generated by your arms.
Cable Twist Exercise Benefits
The cable twist is a strength training exercise that targets the muscles of the abdominal region, specifically the obliques.
This exercise can help to improve core strength and stability, as well as improve posture. Also, because the cable twist involves rotating the torso against resistance, it can also help to improve rotational strength and flexibility, which can be beneficial for a variety of sports and activities.
Overall, the cable twist can help to improve the overall strength and function of the core muscles, which can provide numerous health benefits.
A roman chair, or hyperextension bench is an lesser known, yet extremely valuable piece of gear for so many reasons.
If you’re serious about getting into great shape, check out our rankings of the
10 Best Roman Chairs and Hyperextension Benches For Your Home Gym!
How to do the standing cable oblique twist
The standing cable oblique twist is performed by first getting into the starting position, stand sideways with your feet shoulder width apart, with elbows lifted up and shoulders locked into place.
Engage your abs, keep your core tight through the entire movement!
Turn your upper body and keep your arms locked into place, therefore the movement comes from the stomach / core and NOT from the arms.
Your torso should rotate through the exercise. Turn from shoulder to shoulder and no further than that – do not use momentum generated by your arms.
Once again: It is important that only your core rotates during this movement – do not use momentum generated by your arms.
Make sure to perform the standing cable oblique twist with proper form and technique, so you can get the most out of this exercise and target the correct muscle group. Move your body smoothly throughout the movement, from starting position to end.
If done correctly, this is a great exercise for core muscle building and an awesome way to strengthen the abdominal muscle group as well as improve your posture!
Thanks to Alex Drager on Youtube for the great video!
Benefits of oblique twists
Oblique twists are great for targeting the abdominal muscle group, specifically the obliques. It also works the serratus anterior, rectus abdominis, pectoralis major, and deltoids muscles.
The standing oblique cable twist helps to strengthen your abdominal muscles as well as improve your posture.
The oblique abdominal muscles are often neglected in workouts, but they play a crucial role in core stability. When people neglect these muscles it can lead to lower back pain or even pelvic instability.
Cable Oblique Twist Muscles Worked
The cable oblique twist is a core exercise that primarily works the oblique muscles, which are the muscles on the sides of your abdomen.
The oblique muscles help you twist and bend your torso, and they also play a role in supporting your spine.
In addition to working the oblique muscles, the cable oblique twist can also help to engage your abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis and the transverse abdominis. These muscles help to support your spine and keep your body stable during the exercise and the cable oblique twist is a great exercise for strengthening and toning your core muscles.
Alternatives and variations to oblique twists
If you don’t have access to a cable machine, there are several alternative exercises that can help target the oblique abs. Some of these exercises include:
– The side crunch
– The bicycle crunch
– Pilates Scissor kicks
Each of these exercises will help to strengthen your abs as well as improve your posture.
If you do have a cable machine, you should also look into the standing oblique cable crunch!
Big thanks to Origym Personal Trainer Courses for the awesome video!
Final words
Now that you know how to perform oblique twists and the benefits of the exercise, you can begin implementing them into your workouts. Just remember to only rotate the core and not use momentum generated by your arms!
Disclaimer: Always control the weight and movement. When in doubt, engage a personal trainer or physician before performing this exercise if you have back pain.
-The standing oblique cable twist is a great exercise for targeting the abdominals, specifically the obliques.
-It also works the serratus anterior, rectus abdominis, pectoralis major, and deltoids muscles.
-The standing oblique cable twist helps to strengthen your abdominal muscles as well as improve your posture.

Hey I’m Patrick!
I built my first home gym in 2012, when I decided I was tired of waiting in line for the squat rack and I started GGC in 2020 to help people find the info they need to improve their fitness and their lives.
I’m passionate about fitness, especially when it comes to working out at home. I’ve learned a lot over the years about what to do and what not to do, and my mission is to share that knowledge with the world!