Cable Side Bend vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Plank Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend and Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 311 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 Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Side Bend or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 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 Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Side Bend loads abs, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Cable Side Bend and Plank Push Up need?
Cable Side Bend needs a machine, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Plank Push Up is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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