Side Plank vs Cable Crunch
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions vs 897. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Side Plank and Cable Crunch for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Side Plank vs Cable Crunch : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions compared to 897 for Side Plank.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Side Plank and Cable Crunch differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Side Plank and Cable Crunch Differ
| What differs | Side Plank | Cable Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and front delts | abs |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 897 sessions | 2,520 sessions |
How to Side Plank
Side Plank muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie on your side and position your elbow under your shoulder.
- 2. Keep your legs together and engage your core and glutes to create a straight line from your head to your legs when viewed from above.
- 3. Maintain tension in your core for the given time and repeat the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Comment
- When doing a side plank, keep your body in a straight line to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Plank, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Plank Guide page of our blog!
How to Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please bend your upper body so that your abdominal muscles can contract.
- 2. Imagine that your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- If you choose a weight that is too heavy, it will be difficult to control the exercise, so please select an appropriate weight.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Cable Crunch, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Cable Crunch Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Plank or Cable Crunch?
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions against 897 for Side Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Plank and Cable Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Plank loads abs and front delts, and Cable Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Side Plank and Cable Crunch need?
Side Plank needs bodyweight only, and Cable Crunch needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Side Plank once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

