Dumbbell Side Bend
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using dumbbells.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Dumbbell Side Bend
- Stand up straight while holding a dumbbell on the left hand (palms facing the torso) as you have the right hand holding your waist. Your feet should be placed at shoulder width. 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 and then change hands.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Dumbbell 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
Barbell Side Bend
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, using a barbell.
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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
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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6
Air Bike
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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7
Alternate Heel Touchers
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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8
Bent-Knee Hip Raise
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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9
Bottoms Up
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
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10
Butt-Ups
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the abs, needing no equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do dumbbell side bend work?
Dumbbell Side Bend primarily works the abs.
What equipment do I need for dumbbell side bend?
Dumbbell Side Bend uses dumbbells.
Dumbbell Side Bend: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Dumbbell 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 dumbbell side bend?
Barbell 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 dumbbell side bend reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Side Bend with AI
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