TETSUBarbell Side Bent vs Inchworm
The Barbell Side Bent and the Inchworm both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Barbell Side Bent uses a barbell while the Inchworm is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Side Bent | Inchworm | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | obliques and lower back | shoulders and hamstrings |
| Equipment | barbell | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 6 |
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.
Inchworm — first steps
- Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart.
- Bend forward at the waist and place your hands on the ground in front of you.
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 Inchworm 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 Barbell Side Bent better than the Inchworm?
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 Inchworm needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Side Bent and the Inchworm 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 Inchworm 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 shoulders and hamstrings for the Inchworm.
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.