Dumbbell Side Bend vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Dumbbell Side Bend vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 3,811 for Dumbbell Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Side Bend | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,811 sessions | 6,346 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body to the side and lower the dumbbell down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Excessive weight can put strain on your back, so please proceed with a lighter weight.
For a full Dumbbell Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Side Bend exercise guide.
How to Do Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Dumbbell Side Bend or Heel Touch Crunch?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Side Bend and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Side Bend once your form holds up.
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