Barbell Side Bend
How to do the Barbell Side Bend with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Abs
Lower Back
Barbell
How to do the Barbell Side Bend
- 1
Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
- 2
While keeping your back straight and your head up, bend only at the waist to the right as far as possible. Breathe in as you bend to the side. Then hold for a second and come back up to the starting position as you exhale. Tip: Keep the rest of the body stationary.
- 3
Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
- 4
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Barbell Side Bend set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More abs exercises
Barbell Side Bend: common questions
What muscles does the Barbell Side Bend work?
The Barbell Side Bend primarily works the Abs. It also recruits the Lower Back as supporting muscles.
Is the Barbell Side Bend suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Barbell Side Bend is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Side Bend?
To do the Barbell Side Bend you'll need a barbell.
Is the Barbell Side Bend a compound or isolation exercise?
The Barbell Side Bend is an isolation exercise, it targets the abs through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.
How do I do the Barbell Side Bend with correct form?
Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your Barbell Side Bend sets, free.
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