Crunch vs Cable Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 2,521. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Cable Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Cable Crunch: 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 2,521 for Cable Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Cable Crunch 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 Cable Crunch Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Cable Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 2,521 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 Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please bend your upper body so that your abdominal muscles can contract.
- 2. Imagine that your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you choose a weight that is too heavy, it will be difficult to control the exercise, so please select an appropriate weight.
For a full Cable Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Cable Crunch?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 2,521 for Cable Crunch. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Crunch and Cable Crunch need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Cable Crunch needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Crunch once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

