Kettlebell Swing vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions vs 311. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Swing and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Kettlebell Swing vs Plank Push Up: 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 311 for Plank Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell Swing and Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Swing | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, front delts, and glutes | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a kettlebell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,175 sessions | 311 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 Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Kettlebell Swing or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions against 311 for Plank Push Up. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Kettlebell Swing and Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Kettlebell Swing loads abs, front delts, and glutes, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Kettlebell Swing and Plank Push Up need?
Kettlebell Swing needs a kettlebell, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
