AB Wheel vs Crunch
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 2,441. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of AB Wheel and Crunch for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about AB Wheel vs Crunch : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions compared to 2,441 for AB Wheel.
Popularity is not the whole answer. AB Wheel and Crunch differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How AB Wheel and Crunch Differ
| What differs | AB Wheel | Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and back | abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,441 sessions | 29,245 sessions |
How to AB Wheel
AB Wheel muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push the app wheel forward while engaging your core.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. When pushing the ab wheel, engage your abs so that your lower back does not bend, and be careful not to strain your lower back.
- 2. Since fully extending your body is very difficult, at first, roll out only a short distance that does not cause lower back pain to adjust the difficulty.
If you want to know a detailed guide to AB Wheel, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the AB Wheel Guide page of our blog!
How to Crunch
Crunch muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body while keeping your back straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you lift your upper body excessively, it can strain your lower back, so please lift your upper body without raising your back.
- 2. If your neck hurts, support your head with your hands and relax your neck while proceeding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Crunch, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Crunch Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, AB Wheel or Crunch?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 2,441 for AB Wheel. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do AB Wheel and Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. AB Wheel loads abs and back, and Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do AB Wheel and Crunch need?
AB Wheel needs a machine, and Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to AB Wheel once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

