Knees to Elbow vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Knees to Elbow is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Knees to Elbow and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Knees to Elbow vs Plank Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Knees to Elbow more often — 347 sessions compared to 311 for Plank Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Knees to Elbow 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 Knees to Elbow and Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Knees to Elbow | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 347 sessions | 311 sessions |
How to Do Knees to Elbow
Knees to Elbow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Place both hands behind your head and engage your core.
- 2. As you lift your upper body, touch one elbow to the opposite knee.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the same on the other side.
Coach's Tips
- When raising your knees, engage your core and be careful not to twist your body excessively.
For a full Knees to Elbow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Knees to Elbow 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, Knees to Elbow or Plank Push Up?
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 Knees to Elbow and Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Knees to Elbow loads abs, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Knees to Elbow and Plank Push Up need?
Knees to Elbow needs bodyweight only, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Knees to Elbow is the easier place to start. Move to Plank Push Up once your form holds up.
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