TETSUBand Horizontal Pallof Press vs Inchworm
The Band Horizontal Pallof Press and the Inchworm both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Band Horizontal Pallof Press uses a band while the Inchworm is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Band Horizontal Pallof Press | Inchworm | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | obliques and glutes | shoulders and hamstrings |
| Equipment | band | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 9 | 6 |
How each one starts
Band Horizontal Pallof Press — first steps
- Attach the band to a sturdy anchor point at waist height.
- Stand perpendicular to the anchor point with your feet shoulder-width apart.
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 Horizontal Pallof Press 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 Horizontal Pallof Press better than the Inchworm?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Band Horizontal Pallof Press 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 Horizontal Pallof Press 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 Horizontal Pallof Press and the Inchworm work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — obliques and glutes for the Band Horizontal Pallof Press 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.