Cable Crunch vs Mountain Climber
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Cable Crunch and Mountain Climber are close in use — 2,520 vs 1,794 sessions logged. What separates them is Core loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Mountain Climber and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Mountain Climber: 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 1,794 for Mountain Climber.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Crunch and Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Mountain Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 1,794 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 Mountain Climber
Mountain Climber Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and lie face down, lightly engaging your core to create a straight line with your body.
- 2. While keeping one foot off the ground, pull your knee towards your chest.
- 3. As you return the lifted foot to its original position, lift the opposite foot and pull its knee towards your chest, repeating the process.
Coach's Tips
- This exercise is done quickly to achieve the effects of aerobic exercise rather than slowly feeling the stimulation. Try to perform it at a slightly faster tempo than other exercises.
For a full Mountain Climber guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Mountain Climber exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Crunch or Mountain Climber?
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 Mountain Climber work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Crunch loads abs, and Mountain Climber loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and Mountain Climber need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and Mountain Climber needs bodyweight only.
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