Plank vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions vs 1,477. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Reverse 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 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank 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 Plank and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Plank | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,776 sessions | 1,477 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 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, Plank or Reverse Crunch?
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions against 1,477 for Reverse Crunch. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Plank and Reverse Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Reverse Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Plank and Reverse Crunch need?
Plank 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 Plank once your form holds up.
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