Plank vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions compared to 6,346 for Heel Touch Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank and Heel Touch Crunch differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Plank and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Plank | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,776 sessions | 6,346 sessions |
How to Do Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank exercise guide.
How to Do Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Plank or Heel Touch 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 Plank and Heel Touch Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Heel Touch Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Plank and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Plank needs bodyweight only, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Plank once your form holds up.
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