So I tried the “Saxon Side Bend” last night after a back and bi’s workout. Figured it would hit the abs/obliques a little bit, and as stated in the article, it’s a great core exercise.
The article suggests using light dumbbells, so I picked up a pair of 20’s, and as soon as I put them over my head, I knew this wasn’t going to work. So I grabbed a pair of 15’s…the molded ones that most of the girls use. I started off and almost fell over. Rbalanced myself, spread my legs a little bit more, adn looked like a total retard trying to do these with tipping over. I proceeded to do 10 with a pair of 12’s and 10 with a pair of 10’s with no rest in between.
This is a great unknown exercise, adn now my goal is to be able to do them without falling over!
I will also echo some praise for the Saxon Side Bend. This exercise will absolutely trash your midsection, but make sure to start light and get the ROM down first. Most people will likely need to start with even holding a 10 lb plate over your head and then progress to heavier dumbells.
Cool, I just incorporated them and one armed dumbbell power snatches into my 5 x 5 program.
So I’ll see what you mean this friday.
Kraig Y
I agree that it is an incredible exercise and a humbling one as well. Other great core moves are: The Turksih Get Up, Windmills, bent press, and the side press.
I have recently begun doing Saxons for the first time as well…with plenty of midsection soreness to show for it. It’s one of those exercises I love to do at my gym, as most of the people there stare and wonder what the hell I’m doing.
I know how you feel. There’s nothing like the looks you get from folks as they see you “struggle” with a pair of 10’s overhead. Definately a exercise I will keep in my arsenal for years to come.
I did this exercise for the first time the other day, and I love them. My obliques have never been so sore.
I actually read about the saxon side-bend at Men’s Health a few month ago, and I will agree that its a great exercise. I also tried the one armed deadlift today, but had problems with balance, although I was totally strong enough…maybe less weight next week. The one armed barbell curl is pretty solid too.
Yeah, Jesus that Saxon Side Bend completely wiped out my obliques and some of my back!
I started with a pair of 20 lbs dumbells as well and almost took a spill on the first one. Dropped down to 10’s and have really focused on form. Great exercise!