Side Bend
The side bend works the oblique abdominals, as well as the quadratus lumborum on either side of the back.
Teaching points
- Stand with the feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and back straight.
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand with the palm facing inwards and arm straight.
- Keeping the hips and legs still, bend the torso over to the opposite side.
- Slowly return back to centre.
- Ensure you keep a good posture throughout this exercise.
Muscles worked
- Internal Obliques.
- External Obliques.
- Erector Spinae.
- Quadratus Lumborum.
Alternative exercises
- Twisting crunch.
- Sitting twist using resistance band.
- Standing twist using resistance band.
- Medicine ball twist.
Related injuries
- Lower back pain.