Side Plank vs Reverse Crunch
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Side Plank and Reverse Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Side Plank vs Reverse Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
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.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side 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 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 Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Side Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side 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, 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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