Side Bends

[LoneSilver]

Do weighted Side Bends really help to tone the abs or the area they call love handles and with restricted calorie diet?

Do Deadlifts and Bend Over Rows help tone this area as well?

Thanks,
LoneSilver

 

[Warboss Alex]

Toning is not induced with any one exercise, it's a low overall bodyfat that does it. For most people side bends are unnecessary unless you're a powerlifter and have weak hips (and even then there's better ways to strengthen them).

 

[Throttle]

there is no such thing as "toning" a muscle. there is building muscle, and there is stripping off the bodyfat that obscures it. the result of combining both is the quote-unquote "toned look" that bowflex & ab-doer commercials drone on about.

 

[tyciol]

Side bends are like a loaded stretch for your obliques. They're a good thing but you can't go very heavy or work your obliques maximally in a safe way doing them. You can vary it a lot depending on which hand is holding the weight (or if both are) whether the arm is by your side, cleaned, or overhead, and so forth.

 

[LoneSilver]

Ok, so it's basically lower calories that get rid of this so called love handles and do the Deadlifts, Squats, and Bend Over Rows I am doing help build this area with muscle?

LoneSilver

 

[Warboss Alex]

Lonesilver, read the stickies and the basic guides. The love handle area isn't supposed to be built, it's a fat storage area (although some guys have blocky waists even at low bodyfat) for the most part. The obliques will get enough stimulation from the compounds, yes.

 

[LoneSilver]

Ok, thanks Alex.

LoneSilver

Lonesilver, read the stickies and the basic guides. The love handle area isn't supposed to be built, it's a fat storage area (although some guys have blocky waists even at low bodyfat) for the most part. The obliques will get enough stimulation from the compounds, yes.