How to do it
Engage your glutes to keep your pelvis stable through each rep.
- 1
Position yourself on the 45-degree side bend bench, securing your legs and feet under the pads.
- 2
Stand upright with your torso straight and your hands placed behind your head or crossed over your chest.
- 3
Slowly bend to one side as far as comfortably possible, feeling a stretch in the obliques.
- 4
Hold the side-bend position briefly, then return to the starting position while exhaling.
- 5
Repeat the movement to the other side.
- 6
Continue to alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Expert tip
Ensure that you maintain a slow and controlled movement throughout the exercise to maximize engagement of the oblique muscles and prevent momentum from taking over. Keep your chin up and eyes forward to maintain a neutral spine.
Common mistakes
- ✕Twisting the torso during the side bend
- ✕Bending forward instead of sideways
- ✕Locking the knees during the movement