Dumbbell Side Bend vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions vs 1,477. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Dumbbell Side Bend vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions compared to 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Side Bend 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Side Bend | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,811 sessions | 1,477 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 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, Dumbbell Side Bend or Reverse Crunch?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and Reverse Crunch need?
Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
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