Crunch vs Barbell Thruster
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 38. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Barbell Thruster and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Barbell Thruster: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions compared to 38 for Barbell Thruster.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Barbell Thruster differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Crunch and Barbell Thruster Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Barbell Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | front delts, quads, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 38 sessions |
How to Do Crunch
Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body while keeping your back straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you lift your upper body excessively, it can strain your lower back, so please lift your upper body without raising your back.
- 2. If your neck hurts, support your head with your hands and relax your neck while proceeding.
For a full Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Crunch exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Thruster
Barbell Thruster Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push your hips back and do a deep squat.
- 2. Stand up and press the barbell overhead in one motion.
- 3. Lower the barbell back to your shoulders and continue to the next squat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
- 2. Make sure your knees don't go past your toes, and avoid excessive weight.
For a full Barbell Thruster guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Thruster exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Barbell Thruster?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 38 for Barbell Thruster. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Crunch and Barbell Thruster work the same muscles?
Not quite. Crunch loads abs, and Barbell Thruster loads front delts, quads, and triceps.
What equipment do Crunch and Barbell Thruster need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Barbell Thruster needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Thruster once your form holds up.
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