Barbell Side Bend
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Barbell Side Bend
- 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.
- 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.
- Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Barbell Side Bend
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Dumbbell Side Bend
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using dumbbells.
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2
Weighted Ball Side Bend
An intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using an exercise ball.
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3
Bosu Ball Cable Crunch With Side Bends
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a cable machine.
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4
One-Arm High-Pulley Cable Side Bends
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a cable machine.
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5
Seated Barbell Twist
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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6
Crunches
Crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that isolates the rectus abdominis. When performed correctly, they're an effective way to build core strength and muscular endurance.
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7
Barbell Ab Rollout
An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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8
Barbell Ab Rollout - On Knees
An advanced compound strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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9
Air Bike
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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10
Alternate Heel Touchers
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do barbell side bend work?
Barbell Side Bend primarily works the abs. The lower back assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for barbell side bend?
Barbell Side Bend uses barbell.
Barbell Side Bend: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Barbell Side Bend is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of barbell side bend?
Dumbbell Side Bend, Weighted Ball Side Bend, Bosu Ball Cable Crunch With Side Bends train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my barbell side bend reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; barbell side bend can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Barbell Side Bend with AI
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