Lateral Bend with Barbell Show Images Show All Exercises     Primary Muscle Group: Abdominal Obliques Muscle Groups Worked in This Exercise: Rectus Abdominis Preparation: Stand up straight, while holding a barbell behind your neck and extended out while supporting the bar with both hands. Keep back and head straight up. Breathing: Breath out on the contraction of the muscle and breath back in on the way back to the start position. Execution: Bend to the side as you contract your oblique muscles, while maintaining your head facing outwards on the side bend. Repeat alternating to both sides. Here are a few suggested alternative exercises: Ab Crunch Obliques Ball Crunch Traditional Dumbbell Side Bends