Barbell Thruster vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 sessions vs 38. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Thruster and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Barbell Thruster vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 sessions compared to 38 for Barbell Thruster.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Thruster and Reverse 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 Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Barbell Thruster | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, quads, and triceps | abs |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38 sessions | 1,477 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 Reverse Crunch
Reverse Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your knees so that they are perpendicular to the ground while lying on the floor.
- 2. Engage your abs as if your knees are touching your chest and lift your hips up.
- 3. Hold this position for about 1 second, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to lift your lower back excessively off the floor, and focus on engaging your abdominal muscles.
For a full Reverse Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Reverse Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Barbell Thruster or Reverse Crunch?
Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 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 Reverse Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Thruster loads front delts, quads, and triceps, and Reverse Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Barbell Thruster and Reverse Crunch need?
Barbell Thruster needs a barbell, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Thruster once your form holds up.
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