Cable Crunch vs AB Wheel
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Cable Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 5. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and AB Wheel and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs AB Wheel: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions compared to 2,441 for AB Wheel.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Crunch and AB Wheel differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Crunch and AB Wheel Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | AB Wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and back |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 2,441 sessions |
How to Do Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please bend your upper body so that your abdominal muscles can contract.
- 2. Imagine that your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you choose a weight that is too heavy, it will be difficult to control the exercise, so please select an appropriate weight.
For a full Cable Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Crunch exercise guide.
How to Do AB Wheel
AB Wheel Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push the app wheel forward while engaging your core.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When pushing the ab wheel, engage your abs so that your lower back does not bend, and be careful not to strain your lower back.
- 2. Since fully extending your body is very difficult, at first, roll out only a short distance that does not cause lower back pain to adjust the difficulty.
For a full AB Wheel guide with alternatives and benefits, see the AB Wheel exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Crunch or AB Wheel?
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 Cable Crunch and AB Wheel work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Crunch loads abs, and AB Wheel loads abs and back.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and AB Wheel need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and AB Wheel needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to AB Wheel once your form holds up.
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