TETSUButt-Ups vs Cable Seated Twist
The Butt-Ups and the Cable Seated Twist both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Butt-Ups are bodyweight-only while the Cable Seated Twist uses a cable. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Butt-Ups | Cable Seated Twist | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and lower back | obliques |
| Equipment | bodyweight | cable |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 6 |
How each one starts
Butt-Ups — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Place your hands by your sides, palms facing down.
Cable Seated Twist — first steps
- Sit on a cable machine with your feet flat on the ground and your knees slightly bent.
- Hold the cable handle with both hands and extend your arms straight in front of you.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Butt-Ups need no equipment and scale through leverage, tempo and reps. The Cable Seated Twist keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the abs adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Are the Butt-Ups better than the Cable Seated Twist?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Butt-Ups need no equipment and scale through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Cable Seated Twist keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Butt-Ups and the Cable Seated Twist in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the abs. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Butt-Ups and the Cable Seated Twist work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors and lower back for the Butt-Ups versus obliques for the Cable Seated Twist.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.