Cable Crunch vs Cable Side Bend
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Cable Side Bend and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Cable Side Bend: 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 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Crunch and Cable Side Bend 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 Cable Side Bend Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Cable Side Bend |
|---|---|---|
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 138 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 Cable Side Bend
Cable Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body down in the opposite direction of the cable.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't bend your waist excessively; move only within a natural range.
- 2. Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy and maintain your balance to prevent your body from tilting.
For a full Cable Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Side Bend exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Crunch or Cable Side Bend?
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions against 138 for Cable Side Bend. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and Cable Side Bend need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and Cable Side Bend needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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