Cable Crunch vs Barbell Thruster
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions vs 38. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Barbell Thruster and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Barbell Thruster: 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 38 for Barbell Thruster.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Crunch and Barbell Thruster 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 Barbell Thruster Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Barbell Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | front delts, quads, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 38 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Crunch or Barbell Thruster?
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 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 Cable Crunch and Barbell Thruster work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Crunch loads abs, and Barbell Thruster loads front delts, quads, and triceps.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and Barbell Thruster need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and Barbell Thruster needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Thruster once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
