A standing lateral trunk bend performed with a low cable that emphasizes the obliques and other core muscles through controlled side-to-side movement.
How to do the Side Bend (Cable)#
- Set the pulley to just above floor level and stand with the machine at your side.
- Reach down and take the cable attachment with the hand closest to the machine, letting your torso bend toward the pulley to establish the starting position.
- Brace your core and pull the handle down and away across your midsection by contracting your obliques until your torso straightens or leans away from the pulley.
- Slowly control the return to the side‑bent start position, resisting the cable throughout the descent.
- Complete the desired reps, then switch sides and repeat with the other arm.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Obliques
- Secondary: Abs, Lower back
Common mistakes#
- Twisting the torso instead of moving only in a lateral bend.
- Using the shoulder or arm to pull instead of engaging the obliques.
- Using momentum or jerky movements rather than a slow, controlled motion.
