Crunch vs Cable Side Bend
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Cable Side Bend and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Cable Side Bend: 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 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Cable Side Bend 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 Side Bend Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Cable Side Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 138 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Cable Side Bend?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 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 Crunch and Cable Side Bend need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Cable Side Bend needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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