TETSU3/4 Sit-Up vs Barbell Side Bent
The 3/4 Sit-Up and the Barbell Side Bent both train the abs as their primary muscle. The 3/4 Sit-Up is bodyweight-only while the Barbell Side Bent uses a barbell. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| 3/4 Sit-Up | Barbell Side Bent | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and lower back | obliques and lower back |
| Equipment | bodyweight | barbell |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 6 |
How each one starts
3/4 Sit-Up — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
Barbell Side Bent — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell with both hands, palms facing down.
- Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The 3/4 Sit-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Barbell Side Bent lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the abs adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the 3/4 Sit-Up better than the Barbell Side Bent?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The 3/4 Sit-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Barbell Side Bent lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the 3/4 Sit-Up and the Barbell Side Bent in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the abs. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the 3/4 Sit-Up and the Barbell Side Bent work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors and lower back for the 3/4 Sit-Up versus obliques and lower back for the Barbell Side Bent.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.