AB Wheel vs Seated Knee Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 sessions vs 2,440. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of AB Wheel and Seated Knee Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
AB Wheel vs Seated Knee Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 sessions compared to 2,440 for AB Wheel.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. AB Wheel and Seated Knee Up 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 Seated Knee Up Differ
| What differs | AB Wheel | Seated Knee Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and back | abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,440 sessions | 9,913 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 Seated Knee Up
Seated Knee Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your lower body so that your knees and chest come closer together.
- 2. Allow your upper body to naturally lean forward so that your core can contract.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try proceeding with your knees bent.
For a full Seated Knee Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Knee Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, AB Wheel or Seated Knee Up?
Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 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 Seated Knee Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. AB Wheel loads abs and back, and Seated Knee Up loads abs.
What equipment do AB Wheel and Seated Knee Up need?
AB Wheel needs a machine, and Seated Knee Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Knee Up is the easier place to start. Move to AB Wheel once your form holds up.
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