Russian Twist vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Russian Twist and Reverse Crunch are close in use — 2,072 vs 1,477 sessions logged. What separates them is Core loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Russian Twist and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Russian Twist vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions compared to 1,477 for Reverse Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist and Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Russian Twist | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,072 sessions | 1,477 sessions |
How to Do Russian Twist
Russian Twist Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your knees raised and slightly lean your upper body back.
- 2. Bring your hands together at your chest and twist your upper body as if your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Repeat the movement while maintaining tension in your abdomen.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, keep your knees fixed and make sure your feet do not lift off the floor.
- 2. Rather than excessively twisting your lower back, use your abdominal muscles to rotate your upper body to the side. Be careful not to bend or arch your lower back.
For a full Russian Twist guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Russian Twist 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, Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist and Reverse Crunch need?
Russian Twist needs bodyweight only, and Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only.
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