Kettlebell Swing vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions vs 1,175. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Swing and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Kettlebell Swing 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 1,175 for Kettlebell Swing.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell Swing 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 Kettlebell Swing and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Swing | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, front delts, and glutes | abs |
| Equipment | a kettlebell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,175 sessions | 6,346 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 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, Kettlebell Swing or Heel Touch Crunch?
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions against 1,175 for Kettlebell Swing. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Kettlebell Swing and Heel Touch Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Kettlebell Swing loads abs, front delts, and glutes, and Heel Touch Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Kettlebell Swing and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Kettlebell Swing needs a kettlebell, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Swing once your form holds up.
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