The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Barbell Side Bend
Barbell Side Bend is a beginner-friendly core exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the back.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Core
Barbell Side Bend also involves back.
Strength
Movement pattern: general. This is an isolation exercise.
Beginner
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Barbell Side Bend
- Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
- While keeping your back straight and your head up, bend only at the waist to the right as far as possible. Breathe in as you bend to the side. Then hold for a second and come back up to the starting position as you exhale. Tip: Keep the rest of the body stationary.
- Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations
Alternatives
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
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A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workoutBeginner Full Body Workout
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View workoutBeginner Gym Workout
A beginner-friendly gym session built around stable machines and simple cable patterns.
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Car Drivers is a beginner-friendly shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the arms.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Barbell Side Bend.
What muscles does Barbell Side Bend work?
Barbell Side Bend primarily trains the core and also involves the back.
Is Barbell Side Bend beginner-friendly?
Yes. It is listed as beginner-friendly.
What equipment do I need for Barbell Side Bend?
This variation uses a barbell.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
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