TETSUBarbell Side Bent vs Ghd Sit-Up
The Barbell Side Bent and the Ghd Sit-Up both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Barbell Side Bent uses a barbell while the Ghd Sit-Up uses a machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Side Bent | Ghd Sit-Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | abs |
| Supporting muscles | obliques and lower back | — |
| Equipment | barbell | machine |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 5 |
How each one starts
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.
Ghd Sit-Up — first steps
- Sit on the GHD with your feet secured and hips just off the front of the pad.
- Lower your torso backward with control; shorten the range while learning.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Side Bent lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Ghd Sit-Up fixes the movement path so you can push close to failure with less skill demand. 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 Barbell Side Bent better than the Ghd Sit-Up?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Barbell Side Bent lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Ghd Sit-Up fixes the movement path so you can push close to failure with less skill demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Side Bent and the Ghd Sit-Up 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 Barbell Side Bent and the Ghd Sit-Up work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — obliques and lower back for the Barbell Side Bent versus minimal assistance for the Ghd Sit-Up.
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.