Barbell Thruster vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions vs 38. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Thruster and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Barbell Thruster 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 38 for Barbell Thruster.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Thruster 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 Barbell Thruster and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Barbell Thruster | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, quads, and triceps | abs |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38 sessions | 6,346 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Thruster
Barbell Thruster Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push your hips back and do a deep squat.
- 2. Stand up and press the barbell overhead in one motion.
- 3. Lower the barbell back to your shoulders and continue to the next squat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
- 2. Make sure your knees don't go past your toes, and avoid excessive weight.
For a full Barbell Thruster guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Thruster 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, Barbell Thruster or Heel Touch Crunch?
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions against 38 for Barbell Thruster. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Thruster and Heel Touch Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Thruster loads front delts, quads, and triceps, and Heel Touch Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Barbell Thruster and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Barbell Thruster needs a barbell, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Thruster once your form holds up.
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