Side Bend - Seated Dumbbell

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps, 20-40 Wght

Beginner Obliques Abdominals Lower Back Strength Dumbbell Flat Bench 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 light weight dumbbells. Sit on a supine (flat) bench with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbells with the palms facing inwards. 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 light weight dumbbells. Sit on a supine (flat) bench with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbells with palms facing inwards. 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

Sit on a supine (flat) bench with light dumbbells, palms facing inwards.

side-bend-seated-dumbbell-step-0

Use light weight dumbbells. Sit on a supine (flat) bench with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell with palms facing inwards. This is your starting position.

Step 2

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

side-bend-seated-dumbbell-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). Return to the starting position while exhaling.

Step 3

Sit on a supine (flat) bench with light dumbbells, palms facing inwards.

side-bend-seated-dumbbell-step-2

Use light weight dumbbells. Sit on a supine (flat) bench with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell with palms facing inwards. This is your starting position.

Step 4

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

side-bend-seated-dumbbell-step-3

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.