Crunch vs Knees to Elbow
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 347. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Knees to Elbow and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Knees to Elbow: 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 347 for Knees to Elbow.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Knees to Elbow 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 Knees to Elbow Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Knees to Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 347 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 Knees to Elbow
Knees to Elbow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Place both hands behind your head and engage your core.
- 2. As you lift your upper body, touch one elbow to the opposite knee.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the same on the other side.
Coach's Tips
- When raising your knees, engage your core and be careful not to twist your body excessively.
For a full Knees to Elbow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Knees to Elbow exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Knees to Elbow?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 347 for Knees to Elbow. 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 Knees to Elbow need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Knees to Elbow needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Knees to Elbow once your form holds up.
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