Bicycle Crunch vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Bicycle Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Bicycle Crunch vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions compared to 6,346 for Heel Touch Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bicycle Crunch 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 Bicycle Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Bicycle Crunch | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 11,785 sessions | 6,346 sessions |
How to Do Bicycle Crunch
Bicycle Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body so that one elbow touches the opposite knee.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Lift your upper body so that the opposite elbow touches the other knee.
- 4. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Maintain tension in your abdomen and be careful not to strain your neck.
For a full Bicycle Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bicycle Crunch 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, Bicycle Crunch or Heel Touch Crunch?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Bicycle Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Bicycle Crunch loads abs and glutes, and Heel Touch Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Bicycle Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Bicycle Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Bicycle Crunch once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
