Bicycle Crunch vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions vs 1,477. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bicycle Crunch and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Bicycle Crunch vs Reverse 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 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bicycle Crunch 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 Bicycle Crunch and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Bicycle Crunch | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 11,785 sessions | 1,477 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 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, Bicycle Crunch or Reverse Crunch?
Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions against 1,477 for Reverse Crunch. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Bicycle Crunch and Reverse Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Bicycle Crunch loads abs and glutes, and Reverse Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Bicycle Crunch and Reverse Crunch need?
Bicycle Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
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