Kettlebell Swing vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Swing and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Kettlebell Swing vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 sessions compared to 1,175 for Kettlebell Swing.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell Swing 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 Kettlebell Swing and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Swing | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, front delts, and glutes | abs |
| Equipment | a kettlebell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,175 sessions | 1,477 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 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, Kettlebell Swing or Reverse 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.
Do Kettlebell Swing and Reverse Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Kettlebell Swing loads abs, front delts, and glutes, and Reverse Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Kettlebell Swing and Reverse Crunch need?
Kettlebell Swing needs a kettlebell, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Swing once your form holds up.
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