TETSU45° Side Bend vs Roller Body Saw
The 45° Side Bend and the Roller Body Saw both train the abs as their primary muscle. The 45° Side Bend is bodyweight-only while the Roller Body Saw uses a roller. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| 45° Side Bend | Roller Body Saw | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | obliques | shoulders, triceps and core |
| Equipment | bodyweight | roller |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 4 |
How each one starts
45° Side Bend — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended straight down by your sides.
- Keeping your back straight and your core engaged, slowly bend your torso to one side, lowering your hand towards your knee.
Roller Body Saw — first steps
- Start in a plank position with your forearms on the roller and your body in a straight line.
- Engage your core and slowly roll the roller forward, extending your body as far as you can while maintaining control.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The 45° Side Bend needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. 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 45° Side Bend better than the Roller Body Saw?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The 45° Side Bend needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Roller Body Saw offers a different stimulus. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the 45° Side Bend and the Roller Body Saw 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 45° Side Bend and the Roller Body Saw work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — obliques for the 45° Side Bend versus shoulders, triceps and core for the Roller Body Saw.
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.