Cable Side Bend vs Hollow
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hollow more often — 426 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Hollow and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Hollow: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hollow more often — 426 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend and Hollow 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 Hollow Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Hollow |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and quads |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 426 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 Hollow
Hollow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body while keeping your feet off the ground.
- 2. Hold while engaging your core.
Coach's Tips
- In the holding position, only your hips should be touching the ground.
For a full Hollow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hollow exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Side Bend or Hollow?
Planfit users log Hollow more often — 426 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 Hollow work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Side Bend loads abs, and Hollow loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Cable Side Bend and Hollow need?
Cable Side Bend needs a machine, and Hollow needs bodyweight only.
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