Cable Side Bend vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend and Heel Touch 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 Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 6,346 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 Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Side Bend or Heel Touch Crunch?
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 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 Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Cable Side Bend needs a machine, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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