Side Plank vs Reverse Crunch
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Reverse Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Side Plank and Reverse Crunch for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Side Plank vs Reverse Crunch : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 1,477 sessions compared to 897 for Side Plank.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Side Plank and Reverse 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 Reverse Crunch Differ
| What differs | Side Plank | Reverse Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and front delts | abs |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 897 sessions | 1,477 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
- 1. When doing a side plank, make sure your body forms a straight line from your head to your toes, so that your lower back does not sag and your hips do not drop.
- 2. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or in your lower back, try lowering the difficulty by placing your knees on the floor.
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 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 Comment
- Be careful not to lift your lower back excessively off the floor, and focus on engaging your abdominal muscles.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Reverse Crunch, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Reverse Crunch Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Plank 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.
Do Side Plank and Reverse Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Plank loads abs and front delts, and Reverse Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Side Plank and Reverse Crunch need?
Side 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 Side Plank once your form holds up.
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