Cable Side Bend vs Seated Knee Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Seated Knee Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Seated Knee Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend and Seated Knee 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 Seated Knee Up Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Seated Knee Up |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 9,913 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 Seated Knee Up
Seated Knee Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your lower body so that your knees and chest come closer together.
- 2. Allow your upper body to naturally lean forward so that your core can contract.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try proceeding with your knees bent.
For a full Seated Knee Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Knee Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Side Bend or Seated Knee Up?
Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 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 Seated Knee Up need?
Cable Side Bend needs a machine, and Seated Knee Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Knee Up is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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