Chair Seated Side-Bend
Gentle seated stretch to improve flexibility and strengthen your core. Perfect for any fitness level!
The Chair Seated Side-Bend mainly works the core, with help from the back and lower back. You'll need: chair.

Required Equipment

Chair Seated Side-Bend Muscles Worked
Primary
Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Lower Back (quadratus lumborum)
Chair Seated Side-Bend Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Chair Seated Side-Bend
Seated Side Bend on a Chair
Positioning:
Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
Keep your back straight and engage your core for stability.
Place your hands lightly behind your head, ensuring your elbows are wide.
Movement:
Slowly lower your right elbow towards your right hip while keeping your left side upright. Bend at your waist, not at your hips, to feel a stretch along your left side.
Hold the stretch for a moment, feeling the engagement in your obliques (the muscles on the side of your abdomen).
Return to the starting position, ensuring you keep your core engaged and back straight.
Repeat the movement on the left side by bending towards your left hip while raising your right elbow.
Alternate sides for the desired number of repetitions or time, typically 10–15 reps on each side.
Tips:
Move slowly and with control to maximize the effectiveness of the stretch.
Avoid any jerky movements; this exercise should feel comfortable and should not cause any pain.
Keep breathing throughout the exercise; exhale as you bend to the side and inhale as you return to the starting position.
Chair Seated Side-Bend FAQs
What muscles does the Chair Seated Side-Bend work?
The Chair Seated Side-Bend mainly works the core, with help from the back and lower back. The main muscles are the obliques, rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Chair Seated Side-Bend?
Chair.
What are some Chair Seated Side-Bend variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Chair Diagonal in Out, Chair Diagonal Reach, Dumbbell Seated Side-Bend and Lying & Side-Bend.
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