Crunch vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 1,477. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Reverse 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 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Reverse 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 Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 1,477 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 Reverse Crunch
Reverse Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your knees so that they are perpendicular to the ground while lying on the floor.
- 2. Engage your abs as if your knees are touching your chest and lift your hips up.
- 3. Hold this position for about 1 second, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to lift your lower back excessively off the floor, and focus on engaging your abdominal muscles.
For a full Reverse Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Reverse Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Reverse Crunch?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 1,477 for Reverse 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 Reverse Crunch need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Reverse Crunch once your form holds up.
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