Broom Stick Twist

The Broom Stick Twist primarily targets the obliques (internal and external). These muscles on the sides of the abdomen are responsible for rotating the torso and straightening the torso from a laterally tilted position (lateral flexion of the spine). In this exercise, you train them by performing the function of rotation.

The rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, and erector spinae primarily have a stabilizing function in this exercise.

Broom Stick Twist execution

Stand with your feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart.

Place a barbell behind your neck at a point where it rests on your shoulder blades.

Alternately rotate your torso to the left and right from the hips.

Broom Stick Twist

Active muscles:

Obliquus externus abdominis (external oblique)
Obliquus internus abdominis (internal oblique)

Stabilizing:

Transversus abdominis (transverse abdominal muscle, or 'corset muscle')
Rectus abdominis (rectus abdominal muscle)
Erector spinae

Broom Stick Twist technique

The Broom Stick Twist is, like the Side Bend , an exercise that is often performed for the wrong reason. It is often thought that this exercise helps create a slimmer waist. This is not the case. Stronger and thicker muscles at the sides do not create a slimmer waist, but may actually increase the circumference of the waist. Stronger muscles also require a certain amount of resistance. You do not get this resistance from the side-to-side rotations in this exercise.

The lack of resistance means that this exercise is often performed quickly and with very high repetitions. As a result, it resembles a cardio exercise more than a strength exercise. Spot reduction is not possible, however, so this exercise will not burn fat specifically on the sides of the abdomen.

Alternatives that use more resistance may therefore be preferred (such as the cable woodchopper) when it comes to developing strength.

The Broom Stick Twist may therefore be better used as an exercise to increase mobility.

At a glance