Side Bend - Dumbbell Single

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 8-12 Reps, 20-40 Wght

Beginner Obliques Abdominals Lower Back Strength Dumbbell Gym

Purpose: This exercise works the oblique muscles (side of the waist).

Benefits: Barbell side bends are a great way to work your oblique muscles, an often forgotten area which is essential for toned, six-pack abs

Use a light weight dumbbell. Stand in an upright position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell in your right hand. This is your starting position. Slowly bend sideways to the left as far as you can. Inhale as your do this movement. Hold the position briefly (about 1-2 seconds). Return to the starting position while exhaling. Repeat for the required number of repetitions. Use a light weight dumbbell. Stand in an upright position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell in your left hand. This is your starting position. Slowly bend sideways to the right as far as you can. Inhale as you do this movement. Hold the position briefly (about 1-2 seconds) Return to the starting position while exhaling. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.


The abdominals consist of the abs and the obliques. The obliques and upper abs are both involved in to movements to the side. Barbell side bend exercises are simple enough that virtually anyone can use this technique safely and easily, either at home or at the gym.

Step 1

Stand upright with a light dumbbell in your right hand.

side-bend-dumbbell-single-step-0

Use a light weight dumbbell. Stand in an upright position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell in your right hand. This is your starting position.

Step 2

Bend to the left as far as you can. Pause briefly.

side-bend-dumbbell-single-step-1

Slowly bend sideways to the left as far as you can. Inhale as your do this movement. Hold the position briefly (about 1-2 seconds).

Step 3

Return to the starting position.

side-bend-dumbbell-single-step-2

Return to the starting position while exhaling. Use a light weight dumbbell. Stand in an upright position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell in your right hand. Repeat as required.

Step 4

Stand upright with a light dumbbell in your left hand.

side-bend-dumbbell-single-step-3

Use a light weight dumbbell. Stand in an upright position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell in your left hand. This is your starting position.

Step 5

Bend to the left as far as you can. Pause briefly.

side-bend-dumbbell-single-step-4

Slowly bend sideways to the right as far as you can. Inhale as you do this movement. Hold the position briefly (about 1-2 seconds).

Step 6

Return to the starting position.

side-bend-dumbbell-single-step-5

Return to the starting position while exhaling. Use a light weight dumbbell. Stand in an upright position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell in your right hand. Repeat as required.