Crunch vs Dumbbell Side Bend
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 3,811. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Dumbbell Side Bend and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Dumbbell 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 3,811 for Dumbbell Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Side Bend Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Dumbbell Side Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 3,811 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 Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body to the side and lower the dumbbell down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Excessive weight can put strain on your back, so please proceed with a lighter weight.
For a full Dumbbell Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Side Bend exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Dumbbell Side Bend?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 3,811 for Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Side Bend need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Side Bend once your form holds up.
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