Exercises · waist

Band Side Bend

A standing lateral bend using a resistance band to target and strengthen the oblique muscles.

waistobliquesbandbeginnerisolation

Secondary muscles

rectus abdominiserector spinae

How to do it

  1. Anchor the resistance band securely at ground level.
  2. Stand beside the anchor point, feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Hold the band handle with the outside hand, arm extended alongside your body.
  4. Keeping your torso straight, bend sideways at the waist away from the anchor.
  5. Return to the starting position and repeat for reps, then switch sides.

Form cues

  • Keep chest up
  • Don’t rotate hips
  • Bend directly to the side
  • Controlled return

Common mistakes

  • Rotating the torso instead of bending laterally
  • Bending forward or backward
  • Letting the band snap back
  • Using momentum

Breathing

Exhale while bending, inhale on the return.

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