Cable Crunch vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Reverse Crunch: 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 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable 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 Cable Crunch and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 1,477 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 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, Cable Crunch or Reverse Crunch?
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.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and Reverse Crunch need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Crunch once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
