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Speed for this exercise

Kettlebell Side Bend

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3sets
12-15reps /side
45srest
~3.7kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
Lower BackAbs

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Obliques

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inSide waist

Side waist (obliques) working to twist or bend.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Rotate from the ribs, hips stay quiet.”

Tempo · Controlled, 2 s each way

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backTwisting from the lower back. Brace, sit or stand taller, and rotate a smaller range from the upper body.
  • Feel it in ShouldersMoving only the arms. Keep the arms still in front of the chest and turn the torso.
  • Feel it in Front of hipsHip flexors cramping in Russian twists. Put the feet down on the floor.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and brace your core before each rep.
  • Hold a weight in one hand only; holding two cancels out the work.
  • Move in a straight side-to-side plane, as if between two panes of glass.
  • Grip the handle firmly and keep your wrist straight.

Common mistakes

  • Leaning forward or twisting as you bend.
  • Using a weight so heavy that you have to jerk it back up.

Breathing

Inhale as you bend down, exhale as you pull back up.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle