Crunch vs Oblique Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 963. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Oblique Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Oblique 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 963 for Oblique Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Oblique 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 Oblique Crunch Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Oblique Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 963 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 Oblique Crunch
Oblique Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body to the side and contract your side.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Without raising your upper body using the arm placed on the floor, lift your upper body using your core strength.
- 2. If you excessively bend your neck or use momentum, it can strain your neck or lower back.
- 3. If the movement is difficult, adjust the height you lift and perform the exercise gently.
For a full Oblique Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Oblique Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Oblique Crunch?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 963 for Oblique 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 Oblique Crunch need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Oblique Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Oblique Crunch once your form holds up.
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