Crunch vs Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 9,776. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Plank: 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 9,776 for Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Plank 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 Plank Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and glutes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 9,776 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 Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Plank?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 9,776 for Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Crunch and Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Crunch loads abs, and Plank loads abs and glutes.
What equipment do Crunch and Plank need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Plank once your form holds up.
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