Kettlebell Swing vs Full Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions vs 341. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Swing and Full Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Kettlebell Swing vs Full Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions compared to 341 for Full Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell Swing and Full Plank differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Kettlebell Swing and Full Plank Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Swing | Full Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, front delts, and glutes | abs, chest, and glutes |
| Equipment | a kettlebell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,175 sessions | 341 sessions |
How to Do Kettlebell Swing
Kettlebell Swing Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Hold the kettlebell with both hands and spread your feet wider than shoulder-width with your toes pointing outward.
- 2. Raise the kettlebell to shoulder height, then naturally push your hips back and bend your knees to bring the kettlebell between your legs.
- 3. Momentarily contract your hips while straightening your knees to raise the kettlebell back to shoulder height.
- 4. Keep your arms in a straight line and repeat the movement.
Coach's Tips
- The role of the hips and core is very important in exercise. Just by moving the hips back and forth while engaging the core, the movement can become more natural.
For a full Kettlebell Swing guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Swing exercise guide.
How to Do Full Plank
Full Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Extend your elbows and maintain a position where your shoulders and arms are vertical, keeping your feet narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Imagine there is a long stick behind your back and align your head, waist, hips, and legs in a straight line.
- 3. Raise your toes, engage your core and glutes, and hold the position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your body in a straight line and be careful not to let your back sag.
For a full Full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Full Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Kettlebell Swing or Full Plank?
Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions against 341 for Full Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Kettlebell Swing and Full Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Kettlebell Swing loads abs, front delts, and glutes, and Full Plank loads abs, chest, and glutes.
What equipment do Kettlebell Swing and Full Plank need?
Kettlebell Swing needs a kettlebell, and Full Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Full Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Swing once your form holds up.
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