TETSUBicycle Crunch vs Landmine 180
The Bicycle Crunch and the Landmine 180 both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Bicycle Crunch is bodyweight-only while the Landmine 180 uses a barbell. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Bicycle Crunch | Landmine 180 | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors | obliques and quadriceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight | barbell |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 4 |
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.
Landmine 180 — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the barbell with both hands in front of your chest.
- Bend your knees slightly and rotate your torso to the right, swinging the barbell down towards your right hip.
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 Landmine 180 lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. 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 Landmine 180?
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 Landmine 180 lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Bicycle Crunch and the Landmine 180 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 Landmine 180 work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors for the Bicycle Crunch versus obliques and quadriceps for the Landmine 180.
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.