Barbell Side Bend

Barbell Side Bend — Start position
Start position
Barbell Side Bend — End position
End position
Region
Lumbar & Core
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Level
Beginner
Mechanic
isolation
Force
pull

Muscles worked

  • abdominals
  • lower back

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  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.

Related movements