Planks vs. Crunches: Which Exercise is Superior?

Jan 12, 2019
Fitness Classes

Introduction

Welcome to Sheridan Movement Studios, your premier destination for arts and entertainment with a focus on performing arts training. We understand the importance of fitness in the performing arts industry and offer various exercise regimens to enhance your physical well-being. In this article, we will delve into the topic of planks versus crunches, comparing their benefits and effectiveness in helping you achieve your fitness goals.

What Are Planks?

Planks are a popular core-strengthening exercise that targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously. To perform a plank, start by assuming a push-up position with your forearms resting on the ground and your body straight. Hold this position for a designated amount of time, engaging your core muscles throughout.

Benefits of Planks

Planks offer a wide range of benefits, making them an excellent addition to your fitness routine. Here are some key advantages:

  • Core Strength: Planks engage your core muscles, including the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques, resulting in improved core strength and stability.
  • Posture Improvement: Regularly performing planks can help correct poor posture and align your spine, reducing the risk of back pain and injuries.
  • Flexibility Enhancement: Holding the plank position stretches and lengthens several muscle groups, promoting flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
  • Full Body Workout: Planks not only target your core muscles but also engage your shoulders, glutes, and leg muscles, providing a comprehensive full-body workout.
  • Improved Balance: The static nature of planks challenges your balance and proprioception, enhancing stability and coordination.

What Are Crunches?

Crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that primarily targets the rectus abdominis muscle. To perform a crunch, lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and hands behind your head. Then, contract your abdominal muscles and lift your head, neck, and shoulder blades off the ground while exhaling.

Benefits of Crunches

Crunches have been a staple in core workouts for decades due to their ability to effectively target the abdominal muscles. Here are some benefits:

  • Abdominal Strength: Crunches focus on the rectus abdominis, promoting strength and definition in this prominent muscle group.
  • Improved Muscle Endurance: Regularly incorporating crunches into your fitness routine can enhance the endurance of your abdominal muscles.
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance: A strong core, developed through crunches, contributes to improved performance in a variety of physical activities.
  • Increased Stability: The stabilization required during crunches helps improve overall core stability, aiding in posture and injury prevention.
  • Variety of Modifications: Crunches can be modified to target specific areas of the abdominal region, allowing for personalized workouts tailored to individual goals.

Which Exercise Should You Choose?

Deciding between planks and crunches ultimately depends on your fitness goals, personal preferences, and any existing physical limitations. Both exercises offer unique advantages, and incorporating them into your routine can provide a comprehensive approach to core strengthening. At Sheridan Movement Studios, our experienced fitness trainers can guide you in choosing the most suitable exercises based on your specific needs.

Your Fitness Journey Starts Here

Begin your fitness journey at Sheridan Movement Studios and discover the transformative power of planks, crunches, and more. Our expert trainers are dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential in the performing arts industry. Contact us today to book a session and take the first step towards achieving your fitness and artistic goals.

Kuchta Diana
Planks help to build endurance as well as strength.
Oct 28, 2023
Yu Zhu
Planks build core strength 🔥💪 while crunches target abs 💥👊 Which exercise is your fave?
Oct 17, 2023
John Davies
I feel the effectiveness of planks in my core, shoulders, and back.
Sep 19, 2023
Arjun Ohri
Planks have been instrumental in enhancing my overall core strength and posture.
Sep 10, 2023
Ashley Jones
I notice improvement in my overall strength and balance from consistently doing planks.
Aug 26, 2023
Annelies Beaty
I like to add variety to my core routine with exercises like plank jacks.
Aug 10, 2023
Thomas Buente
I like to mix in plank variations like side planks for a full core workout.
Jul 5, 2023
Freeman Zhang
Planks are effective for building core strength and stability, which are crucial for dancers.
Jun 7, 2023
Firsom Gosha
Crunches can be beneficial for those looking to improve spinal flexibility.
Jun 6, 2023
Charles Wilson
I appreciate that planks also engage the muscles around the hips and shoulders.
Mar 29, 2023
Henry Facen
I find planks to be more functional and applicable to everyday movements.
Feb 14, 2023
Terry Barber
Crunches may help in defining and toning the muscles of the midsection.
Dec 9, 2022
Henry Conklin
Planks are excellent for improving posture and stability.
Dec 4, 2022
Noa Guez
I typically feel the burn more with crunches, they're a great core challenge.
Dec 2, 2022
Naveed Husain
Crunches can be effective for those looking to define their abs.
Oct 4, 2022
Rick Herbert
I find planks to be more functional and applicable to daily movements.
Aug 18, 2022
Jennifer Wambold
I alternate between planks and crunches for a balanced core workout.
Aug 8, 2022
Jeff Klein
I like challenging myself with longer plank holds.
Jul 20, 2022
Traci Boyer
Crunches can be a great addition to a HIIT workout for a quick core burn.
Jul 19, 2022
Linda Ridley
Planks are a fundamental exercise for developing a strong core.
Jul 16, 2022
Ebraheema Camara
I enjoy challenging myself with longer plank holds and variations.
Jul 12, 2022
Thomas Boyea
Crunches are a good way to target the upper and lower abs separately.
Jul 3, 2022
Megan Heckman
Planks have helped me to develop a stronger and more stable core.
Jun 21, 2022
Ron Kottnitz
Crunches can be effective when included in a well-rounded core routine.
Jun 13, 2022
Tomas Tomas
Crunches are good for targeting specific areas of the abs.
Jun 12, 2022
Maja Kapic
I like adding variety to my core routine with exercises like side plank dips.
Jun 10, 2022
Lauren Ambrozic
I alternate between planks and crunches for a balanced core workout.
May 24, 2022
Troy Sing
I feel a strong engagement in my core muscles with both planks and crunches.
May 24, 2022
Sadiqa Delaney
Planks are great for building overall core stability and strength.
Apr 30, 2022
Colin Thomas
I appreciate that planks engage both the front and back core muscles.
Apr 19, 2022
Amanda Abramo
Crunches may help to improve overall athletic performance.
Mar 24, 2022
Tom Brady
I like to combine planks with other bodyweight exercises for a full-body workout.
Mar 21, 2022
Hever Maldonado
I find planks to be more challenging but effective.
Mar 20, 2022
Joseph Henshall
Crunches are a classic core exercise, but variety is key in a workout.
Feb 22, 2022
Denise Blankinship
I've noticed improved core stability and strength from consistently including planks in my workouts.
Feb 16, 2022
Maria Gonzalez
I incorporate plank variations like spiderman planks for a more dynamic core workout.
Jan 29, 2022
Not Provided
Crunches may help with defining abdominal muscles.
Jan 25, 2022
Ron McKay
Planks are crucial for building a strong and stable core, particularly for athletes.
Jan 18, 2022
Cathy Castillo
I feel my core muscles working hard with both planks and crunches.
Jan 9, 2022
Tutorrudiotkgwk+Cma
I feel the burn and challenge in my core with both planks and crunches.
Jan 1, 2022
Craig Motlong
I enjoy the variety of plank variations to keep workouts interesting.
Oct 25, 2021
Roman Nakhmanson
Planks have helped me to improve my posture and overall core strength.
Oct 18, 2021
John Dobinski
Crunches can effectively target specific areas of the abs for a sculpted look.
Sep 30, 2021
WaterO Inc.
Planks have helped me to improve my posture and overall strength.
Sep 7, 2021
Peter Brown
Crunches with a twist can work the obliques effectively.
Aug 30, 2021
Katie Mora
Planks are a staple in my core routine for a reason - they work.
Aug 15, 2021
Sarb Sembhi
Planks are my preferred choice for a full core engagement and stability workout.
Aug 8, 2021
Rissi Givas
Planks are my go-to for core stability and strength, especially for dancers.
Jun 21, 2021
Russell Dorazio
I like to incorporate plank variations like side planks for a complete core workout.
May 16, 2021
Brad Stephens
Planks are a staple in my core routine for building strength and stability.
Apr 11, 2021
Jelena Sergejenkova
Crunches can be beneficial for establishing mind-muscle connection in the abs.
Apr 9, 2021
Corey Young
I prefer planks for a full-body engagement, not just the abs.
Apr 5, 2021
John Hazen
Crunches alone may not give the full core workout needed for some.
Mar 10, 2021
Nathan Mariner
I find that crunches effectively target the rectus abdominis.
Feb 16, 2021
Miftah Semane
Both planks and crunches have their own place in a well-rounded core routine.
Feb 13, 2021
Hal Bevier
Crunches assist in targeting specific areas of the abs for better definition.
Feb 8, 2021
Steve Armond
Crunches are a traditional exercise, but it's important to mix in other core workouts.
Jan 27, 2021
Za Liza
I like to mix in plank variations like plank with leg lifts for added challenge.
Jan 16, 2021
Melissa Nini
Both exercises have their own benefits, it's good to include both in a workout routine.
Jan 4, 2021
Jennifer Smith
Crunches should be performed with proper form to avoid strain on the neck.
Dec 3, 2020
Cal
Planks have improved my overall core strength and posture.
Nov 7, 2020
Molly Scott
Planks engage multiple muscle groups at once, making them efficient.
Oct 28, 2020
Brenda Salmon
Planks have been valuable in strengthening my core and improving my overall stability.
Oct 19, 2020
Guillaume Lebas
Crunches can help to improve spinal flexibility and mobility.
Oct 17, 2020
Steven Slowiak
Crunches are great for targeting the abdominal muscles, especially the rectus abdominis.
Oct 8, 2020
Shelly Crawford
Crunches help to strengthen the core and improve spinal flexibility.
Sep 29, 2020
Trisha Amescua
I find that planks help to improve my balance and coordination.
Sep 23, 2020
Jessica Byrnes
I feel my core working more during planks than crunches.
Aug 30, 2020
Nguyen Manhquyet
I feel the burn and engagement in my core muscles with both planks and crunches.
Aug 27, 2020
Evgeniy Petin
I feel more of a burn in my abs with crunches than planks.
Aug 19, 2020
Mark Lipmam
Crunches can be modified to suit different fitness levels.
Jul 23, 2020
Neil Blair
I appreciate that planks engage the entire core and build functional strength.
Jul 20, 2020
Jim Molidor
I enjoy the challenge of holding a plank for longer each time.
Jul 17, 2020
Denise Court
I appreciate that planks engage multiple muscle groups and improve overall strength.
Jul 1, 2020
Anton Herbst
Planks engage multiple muscle groups, making them a great full-body exercise.
Jun 28, 2020
Shunita Brown
Crunches with proper form can effectively target the abdominal muscles.
Jun 16, 2020
Ramesh Subramanian
I sometimes feel more lower ab engagement with crunches.
Jun 10, 2020
Not Provided
Crunches are a good way to target the rectus abdominis.
Jun 2, 2020
James M
Crunches are effective for building definition in the abdominal muscles.
Jun 1, 2020
Ryan Patrick
Crunches may help with defining and shaping the abdominal muscles.
May 30, 2020
Robert Fogal
Planks are great for building strength and stability, especially for aerial performers.
May 23, 2020
Lois Rickard
I prefer planks for a full-body engagement, as they work the entire core.
May 5, 2020
Chris Goan
Planks are my go-to for a challenging and effective core workout.
Apr 8, 2020
Sandra Statz
Planks are effective for strengthening the back and shoulders.
Feb 3, 2020
Unknown
I like to challenge myself with longer plank holds.
Jan 29, 2020
Angel Fur
I find that crunches help me to feel the burn in my abs.
Jan 19, 2020
Sanel Thomas
I like to incorporate plank variations like mountain climbers for added intensity.
Nov 30, 2019
Owner
I feel the burn more with planks, but they're worth it.
Sep 30, 2019
Bonny Carr
Crunches may be beneficial for those seeking defined abdominal muscles.
Sep 20, 2019
David Collister
I incorporate plank variations like hip dips to add more variety to my core routine.
Sep 20, 2019
Scarlett Scales
Planks are essential for building core strength, especially for dancers.
Sep 13, 2019
Patti Magnusson
Crunches are great for targeting specific abdominal muscles.
Aug 30, 2019
Darick Cox
I find that crunches are effective for working the upper and lower abs.
Aug 26, 2019
Kevin O'Brien
I like to incorporate planks into my yoga practice for added strength.
Aug 1, 2019
Jose Espinoza
I prefer planks for overall core strength and stability.
Jun 3, 2019
Lisa McDonald
Crunches help to improve flexibility in the spine.
May 17, 2019
Elisa Corsiero
I enjoy the challenge of holding plank positions for extended periods of time.
Apr 17, 2019
Scott
Planks are essential for developing a strong and stable core for dance and performance.
Apr 15, 2019
Majid Khan
Crunches are a classic core exercise, but it's important to incorporate other core work.
Apr 1, 2019
Brad Iversen
Planks are great for building isometric strength and endurance.
Mar 2, 2019
Rhonda Mulford
Both planks and crunches have their own benefits, so I include both in my routine.
Feb 5, 2019
Marta Barnett
I like to combine crunches with other core exercises for a comprehensive workout.
Jan 21, 2019
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