Dumbbell Side Bend

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A standing isolation exercise using a dumbbell to target the obliques for core strength and stability; commonly used in routines for hypertrophy and functional balance, performed unilaterally on each side.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Lower Back, Forearms

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in one hand at your side with palm facing inward; place the other hand behind your head or on your hip.

  1. Brace your core and maintain neutral spine.
  2. Inhale and slowly bend laterally toward the weighted side, letting the dumbbell slide down your leg.
  3. Pause briefly at the bottom where you feel a stretch in the opposite oblique.
  4. Exhale and contract the opposite obliques to return to upright.
  5. Switch sides after completing reps on one side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep hips stable
  • Move only at waist
  • Squeeze obliques to rise
  • Eyes forward
  • No momentum

Breathing

Inhale during the lateral bend and exhale as you return to upright, bracing the core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

From upright position bend sideways until the dumbbell reaches near the knee or you feel a comfortable stretch in the opposite side, without twisting or forward lean.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Avoid if you have acute back pain or spinal issues
  • Do not use heavy loads to prevent waist thickening
  • Ensure equal reps on both sides to avoid imbalances
  • Consult physician for pre-existing conditions

Spotting

Not typically required; self-spot or use lighter weight for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Twisting the torso
  • Leaning forward or backward
  • Using momentum to swing
  • Uneven reps per side
  • Over-bending beyond comfort

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Spinal disc issues
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate spinal lateral flexion
  • Shoulder mobility for hand position

Build Up First

  • Basic standing posture
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Weighted Side Bend, Dumbbell Oblique Bend, Standing Side Bend

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