Oblique Crunch vs Reverse Crunch

Which one fits your Core workout plan?

Contents

Oblique Crunch and Reverse Crunch are close in use — 1,477 vs 963 sessions logged. What separates them is Core loading and form.

Compare the benefits of Oblique Crunch and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.

Oblique Crunch 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 963 for Oblique Crunch.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Oblique Crunch 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 Oblique Crunch and Reverse Crunch Differ

What differsOblique CrunchReverse Crunch
One side at a timeYesNo
Difficulty2 of 52 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users963 sessions1,477 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Oblique Crunch or Reverse Crunch fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Oblique Crunch

Oblique Crunch demo video

Oblique Crunch Muscles Worked: Core

Form

  1. 1. Lift your upper body to the side and contract your side.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Without raising your upper body using the arm placed on the floor, lift your upper body using your core strength.
  2. 2. If you excessively bend your neck or use momentum, it can strain your neck or lower back.
  3. 3. If the movement is difficult, adjust the height you lift and perform the exercise gently.

For a full Oblique Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Oblique Crunch exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Oblique Crunch?Exercise Guide

How to Do Reverse Crunch

Reverse Crunch demo video

Reverse Crunch Muscles Worked: Core

Form

  1. 1. Bend your knees so that they are perpendicular to the ground while lying on the floor.
  2. 2. Engage your abs as if your knees are touching your chest and lift your hips up.
  3. 3. Hold this position for about 1 second, then slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Reverse Crunch?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Core, Oblique Crunch 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.

What equipment do Oblique Crunch and Reverse Crunch need?

Oblique Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.

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