Trouble with the twists progressions#385

Hello, and thankyou for taking the time to look at this. I (29, 230ish lbs) have been using hybrid calisthenics as a guide for self improvement since the beginning of the year, and I’ve been doing a pretty good job so far. The overall lack of equipment makes it really easy to workout in a rural area like mine where gyms arent easily accessible. That being said, the twists exercize is causing me some trouble. I cant seem to twist far enough to get an actual “stretching sensation” at all. To be fair I can cross the leg like in the first progression just fine, but I cant twist far enough to firmly plant the second hand on the ground. I’ve resorted to bracing with the one hand on the ground, and then pushing againsts the crossed leg with the other arm/elbow to assist the twist, but even this doesn’t seem to do much. I’m considering adding more core exercises in the hope that this will accelerate loss of core fat, in the hopes that this will allow me to twist farther, but I’m not sure if theres something I’m missing. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Hey Daniel! Id recommend just starting with non twisting core exercises first, build that up and then work into the twists. 😁

I also can’t get both hands on the ground. I’m overweight with short arms and lucky to get one leg over the other and twist tbh. I do not understand how to build up from not twisting to twisting and then to better posture. I haven’t been able to do this since I was in my 20s and doing yoga and dancing regularly. Please advise, thank you

Hey Holly! So by building up your core strength with non twisting core exercises, you will make the transition alot easier than not doing anything at all. That is because in twisting core exercises, the internal and external obliques are the primary muscle groups being targeted….but in order to target them, the rectus abdominis are still required for movement.

As we lose more weight with our cardio and being in a caloric deficit, it will also become alot easier to twist. Hope this makes sense! 😊

Thanks, Chrys. I still cannot picture what I need to be doing for the core. Best, Holly