Mountain Climber vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Mountain Climber and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Mountain Climber vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions compared to 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Mountain Climber | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, quads, and glutes | abs |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,794 sessions | 1,477 sessions |
How to Do Mountain Climber
Mountain Climber Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and lie face down, lightly engaging your core to create a straight line with your body.
- 2. While keeping one foot off the ground, pull your knee towards your chest.
- 3. As you return the lifted foot to its original position, lift the opposite foot and pull its knee towards your chest, repeating the process.
Coach's Tips
- This exercise is done quickly to achieve the effects of aerobic exercise rather than slowly feeling the stimulation. Try to perform it at a slightly faster tempo than other exercises.
For a full Mountain Climber guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Mountain Climber 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, Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber and Reverse Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Mountain Climber loads abs, quads, and glutes, and Reverse Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Mountain Climber and Reverse Crunch need?
Mountain Climber needs bodyweight only, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Mountain Climber once your form holds up.
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