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However, these exercises target your muscles differently, and there are pros and cons to each.
Crunches
A traditional go-to forab workouts, crunches contract your abdomen to effectively build muscle.
When done correctly, there will only be a small amount of spinal flexion that occurs.
personal trainer and content developer at theInternational Sports Sciences Association
These are the muscles that are worked during a crunch, according to Bauer.
Pros
The most obvious perk of crunches is their ability to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
This can improve overall core stability and support spinal alignment.
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Its also easy to increase your resistance during crunches by holding a dumbbell or using a cable machine.
This can lead to potential pain and strain.
Its important to focus on engaging the abdominal muscles and avoid pulling on the neck.
personal trainer and content developer at theInternational Sports Sciences Association
Its important to maintain proper form and avoid overarching the lower back when you perform crunches.
Finally, youll target fewer muscles with crunches than you will with a plank.
Crunches only target the abdominal muscle, not the entire core, Kravchenko says.
Crunches specifically target the rectus abdominis muscles, helping to strengthen and tone the front of your abdomen.
Planks work the entire core, engaging all the muscles in the torso, Kravchenko says.
Instead, it can be viewed as a comprehensive full-body stabilization exercise.
These are the muscles that are worked during a plank, according to Bauer.
you might do planks anywhere to strengthen a wide variety of musclesno matter what level youre starting at.
Theyre great for beginners and those who are more advanced, Kravchenko says.
Regularly practicing planks can alsoimprove your postureby strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
This can reduce the risk of back pain and promote better alignment, Bauer says.
Modifications or alternative exercises may be needed for those with specific limitations, Bauer says.
The bottom line
Both planks and crunches are effective strengthening exercises.
That said, you dont have to choose one over the other.
Pay attention to maintaining proper form for both move and always listen to your body.
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