One-Arm High-Pulley Cable Side Bends

What it is

This exercise targets your oblique muscles through a controlled side-bending motion. You use a high-pulley cable to add resistance, effectively isolating the side of your core. Maintain constant tension throughout the movement to maximize muscle engagement in your abdominals.

Technique tips

• Grab the handle with an underhand grip, keeping your working arm static.
• Keep your elbow close to your side and the handle near your shoulder.
• Position your feet hip-width apart for a stable base during the movement.
• Engage your oblique muscles to initiate the side bend, not your arm.
• Control the release slowly to maintain tension and avoid resting the weight.
• Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.