Dumbbell Side Bend vs Full Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions vs 341. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend and Full Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Dumbbell Side Bend vs Full Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions compared to 341 for Full Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Side Bend and Full Plank differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Side Bend and Full Plank Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Side Bend | Full Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and glutes |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,811 sessions | 341 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body to the side and lower the dumbbell down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Excessive weight can put strain on your back, so please proceed with a lighter weight.
For a full Dumbbell Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Side Bend exercise guide.
How to Do Full Plank
Full Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Extend your elbows and maintain a position where your shoulders and arms are vertical, keeping your feet narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Imagine there is a long stick behind your back and align your head, waist, hips, and legs in a straight line.
- 3. Raise your toes, engage your core and glutes, and hold the position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your body in a straight line and be careful not to let your back sag.
For a full Full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Full Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Dumbbell Side Bend or Full Plank?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions against 341 for Full Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Side Bend and Full Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Side Bend loads abs, and Full Plank loads abs, chest, and glutes.
What equipment do Dumbbell Side Bend and Full Plank need?
Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell, and Full Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Side Bend is the easier place to start. Move to Full Plank once your form holds up.
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