AB Wheel vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions vs 2,440. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of AB Wheel and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
AB Wheel vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 2,440 for AB Wheel.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. AB Wheel and Heel Touch Crunch differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How AB Wheel and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | AB Wheel | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and back | abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,440 sessions | 6,346 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full AB Wheel guide with alternatives and benefits, see the AB Wheel exercise guide.
How to Do Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, AB Wheel or Heel Touch Crunch?
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions against 2,440 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 Heel Touch Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. AB Wheel loads abs and back, and Heel Touch Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do AB Wheel and Heel Touch Crunch need?
AB Wheel needs a machine, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to AB Wheel once your form holds up.
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