Sit Up vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Sit Up and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Sit Up vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 3,693 for Sit Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Sit Up and Heel Touch Crunch differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Sit Up and Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Sit Up | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,693 sessions | 6,346 sessions |
How to Do Sit Up
Sit Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body so that you can sit up straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you have pain in your lower back, avoid sit-ups and substitute with crunches.
- 2. When lifting your upper body, be careful not to overextend your lower back or pull your neck too much.
For a full Sit Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Sit Up exercise guide.
How to Do Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Sit Up or Heel Touch 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 Sit Up and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Sit Up needs bodyweight only, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Sit Up once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
