TETSUButt-Ups vs Cable Twist (Up-Down)
The Butt-Ups and the Cable Twist (Up-Down) both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Butt-Ups are bodyweight-only while the Cable Twist (Up-Down) uses a cable. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Butt-Ups | Cable Twist (Up-Down) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and lower back | obliques and lower back |
| 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 Twist (Up-Down) — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the cable machine.
- Hold the cable handle with both hands in front of your chest, keeping your arms slightly bent.
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 Twist (Up-Down) 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 Twist (Up-Down)?
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 Twist (Up-Down) 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 Twist (Up-Down) 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 Twist (Up-Down) 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 and lower back for the Cable Twist (Up-Down).
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.