Cable Side Bend vs Full Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Full Plank more often — 341 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Full Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Full Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Full Plank more often — 341 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend and Full Plank differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Side Bend and Full Plank Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Full Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 341 sessions |
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.
How to Do Full Plank
Full Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Extend your elbows and maintain a position where your shoulders and arms are vertical, keeping your feet narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Imagine there is a long stick behind your back and align your head, waist, hips, and legs in a straight line.
- 3. Raise your toes, engage your core and glutes, and hold the position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your body in a straight line and be careful not to let your back sag.
For a full Full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Full Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Side Bend or Full Plank?
Planfit users log Full Plank more often — 341 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.
Do Cable Side Bend and Full Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Side Bend loads abs, and Full Plank loads abs, chest, and glutes.
What equipment do Cable Side Bend and Full Plank need?
Cable Side Bend needs a machine, and Full Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Full Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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