Bicycle Crunch vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions vs 311. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bicycle Crunch and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Bicycle Crunch vs Plank Push Up: 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 311 for Plank Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bicycle Crunch and Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Bicycle Crunch | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 11,785 sessions | 311 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 Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Bicycle Crunch or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions against 311 for Plank Push Up. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Bicycle Crunch and Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Bicycle Crunch loads abs and glutes, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Bicycle Crunch and Plank Push Up need?
Bicycle Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Bicycle Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Plank Push Up once your form holds up.
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