Dumbbell Side Bend vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions vs 311. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Dumbbell Side Bend vs Plank Push Up: 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 311 for Plank Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Side Bend and Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Side Bend | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,811 sessions | 311 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 Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Dumbbell Side Bend or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions against 311 for Plank Push Up. 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 Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Side Bend loads abs, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Side Bend and Plank Push Up need?
Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Side Bend is the easier place to start. Move to Plank Push Up once your form holds up.
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