TETSUButt-Ups vs Weighted Russian Twist
The Butt-Ups and the Weighted Russian Twist both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Butt-Ups are bodyweight-only while the Weighted Russian Twist adds external weight to a bodyweight pattern. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Butt-Ups | Weighted Russian Twist | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and lower back | obliques and lower back |
| Equipment | bodyweight | added weight |
| 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.
Weighted Russian Twist — first steps
- Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Hold the weight with both hands in front of your chest.
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 Weighted Russian Twist adds external load to a bodyweight pattern for direct overload. 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 Weighted Russian 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 Weighted Russian Twist adds external load to a bodyweight pattern for direct overload. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Butt-Ups and the Weighted Russian 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 Weighted Russian 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 and lower back for the Weighted Russian 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.