TETSUBicycle Crunch vs Cable Side Bend
The Bicycle Crunch and the Cable Side Bend both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Bicycle Crunch is bodyweight-only while the Cable Side Bend uses a cable. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Bicycle Crunch | Cable Side Bend | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors | obliques |
| Equipment | bodyweight | cable |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 6 |
How each one starts
Bicycle Crunch — first steps
- Lie flat on your back with your hands placed behind your head.
- Lift your legs off the ground and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle.
Cable Side Bend — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the cable handle with one hand.
- Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Bicycle Crunch needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Cable Side Bend keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. 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 Bicycle Crunch better than the Cable Side Bend?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Bicycle Crunch needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Cable Side Bend keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Bicycle Crunch and the Cable Side Bend 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 Bicycle Crunch and the Cable Side Bend work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors for the Bicycle Crunch versus obliques for the Cable Side Bend.
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.