Form cues
- Bend only to the side
- Keep chest tall
- Brace your core
- Move slowly and controlled
Exercise
Dumbbell Side Bend
Waist, dumbbell
A standing oblique exercise where you hold one dumbbell and bend your torso sideways under control.
Target: abs. Also works: obliques.
Steps
- Stand tall with your feet about hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand at your side.
- Place your other hand on your hip or behind your head and brace your stomach.
- Keep your chest up and slowly bend your torso sideways away from the dumbbell.
- Lower the dumbbell down the side of your leg as far as you can without twisting or leaning forward.
- Squeeze your obliques and return to standing tall.
- Complete all reps on one side, then switch hands and repeat.
Common mistakes
- Twisting the torso as you bend
- Leaning forward instead of sideways
- Shrugging the weighted shoulder up
- Using momentum to swing back up
Breathing
Inhale as you bend sideways, then exhale as you return to standing.
In the app, search for Dumbbell Side Bend and add it to a workout.