TETSUBand Bicycle Crunch vs Inchworm
The Band Bicycle Crunch and the Inchworm both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Band Bicycle Crunch uses a band while the Inchworm is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Band Bicycle Crunch | Inchworm | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors and obliques | shoulders and hamstrings |
| Equipment | band | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 6 |
How each one starts
Band Bicycle Crunch — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent.
- Lift your feet off the ground and bring your right knee towards your chest while simultaneously twisting your torso to bring your left elbow towards your right knee.
Inchworm — first steps
- Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart.
- Bend forward at the waist and place your hands on the ground in front of you.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Band Bicycle Crunch gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range. The Inchworm needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the abs adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Band Bicycle Crunch better than the Inchworm?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Band Bicycle Crunch gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range, while the Inchworm needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Band Bicycle Crunch and the Inchworm in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the abs. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Band Bicycle Crunch and the Inchworm work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors and obliques for the Band Bicycle Crunch versus shoulders and hamstrings for the Inchworm.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.