TETSUBicycle Crunch vs Roller Body Saw
The Bicycle Crunch and the Roller Body Saw both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Bicycle Crunch is bodyweight-only while the Roller Body Saw uses a roller. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Bicycle Crunch | Roller Body Saw | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | hip flexors | shoulders, triceps and core |
| Equipment | bodyweight | roller |
| 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.
Roller Body Saw — first steps
- Start in a plank position with your forearms on the roller and your body in a straight line.
- Engage your core and slowly roll the roller forward, extending your body as far as you can while maintaining control.
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. 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 Roller Body Saw?
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 Roller Body Saw offers a different stimulus. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Bicycle Crunch and the Roller Body Saw 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 Roller Body Saw work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hip flexors for the Bicycle Crunch versus shoulders, triceps and core for the Roller Body Saw.
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.