Obliques · Isolation movement
Standing Side-Bend Stretch
A isolation exercise that targets the obliques. Performed with bodyweight.
Primary muscle
Obliques
Secondary muscles
—
Equipment
Bodyweight
Difficulty
Beginner
How to perform the Standing Side-Bend Stretch
- Stand tall with the feet hip-width and reach both arms overhead, clasping the hands or holding one wrist.
- Keeping the hips level and facing forward, lean the torso directly to one side without twisting or leaning forward.
- Feel a long stretch down the opposite side of the trunk, from the hip up through the ribs and obliques.
- Hold for time, return to upright under control, then bend to the other side and match it.
Suggested working range: 20–45 reps. Default progression: manual.
Common mistakes
- •Leaning forward or twisting the torso instead of bending directly to the side.
- •Letting the hips swing out and shift the weight rather than keeping them level and stacked.
- •Bending so far that the balance is lost instead of holding a controlled, comfortable lean.
Variations & alternatives
Swap in a related movement if equipment, recovery, or progression demands it.
Use this exercise in a program
The Standing Side-Bend Stretch fits naturally into hypertrophy and strength splits that prioritize obliques volume.
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