Cable Side Bend vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend 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 Side Bend and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 1,477 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 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 Side Bend or Reverse Crunch?
Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 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 Reverse Crunch need?
Cable Side Bend 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 Side Bend once your form holds up.
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