Dumbbell Side Bends
Overview
This routine will exercise your obliques, as well as your abs. Your oblique muscles extend from under your arm, down to your hip bone.
These muscles control bending and flexing at the waist, and also help with respiration. Obliques are very important. Abs are a paired muscle that run vertically down your abdomen, from just below your pecs, down to your pubic crest.
Tendinous intersections cross your abs horizontally, which is what gives you the six or eight pack look. Abs are the anterior part of your core muscles, and help keep you upright.
Instructions
Place feet shoulder width apart. To begin, pick up your dumbbell with one hand, and place your other hand on your external oblique. Plant your feet about shoulder width apart.
Inhale as you stretch down in the direction of the weight. Exhale as you contract in the opposite direction. After twelve reps, switch sides to complete the set.
Alternatively, you can use two dumbbells at once, stretching one side as you contract the other. Set your feet a little wider than your shoulders to maintain balance.
Tips
A common mistake is to stoop your shoulders forward. Always keep them back. Don’t forget to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to really work all those muscles.
Whether you use two dumbbells or one at a time, side bends are a powerful tool for your exercise regimen. Thanks for watching!
