Crunch vs Russian Twist
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 2,172. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Russian Twist and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Russian Twist: 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 2,172 for Russian Twist.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch and Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Russian Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 2,172 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 Russian Twist
Russian Twist Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your knees raised and slightly lean your upper body back.
- 2. Bring your hands together at your chest and twist your upper body as if your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Repeat the movement while maintaining tension in your abdomen.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, keep your knees fixed and make sure your feet do not lift off the floor.
- 2. Rather than excessively twisting your lower back, use your abdominal muscles to rotate your upper body to the side. Be careful not to bend or arch your lower back.
For a full Russian Twist guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Russian Twist exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Russian Twist?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions against 2,172 for Russian Twist. 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 Russian Twist need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Russian Twist needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Russian Twist once your form holds up.
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