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Abs exercise · dumbbell

Dumbbell Side Bend

The dumbbell side bend is a dumbbell exercise that targets the abs, with the obliques assisting.

Animated demonstration of the dumbbell side bend
Dumbbell Side Bend — demonstration
Target muscle
Abs
Also works
Obliques
Equipment
Dumbbell
Body part
Waist

How to do the dumbbell side bend

  1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand, letting it hang down by your side.
  2. Keeping your back straight and your core engaged, slowly bend sideways at the waist towards the opposite side of the dumbbell, lowering the weight as far as you comfortably can.
  3. Pause for a moment, then slowly return to the starting position.
  4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the abs. The obliques work as secondary muscles. See all ab exercises or every dumbbell exercise.

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