Which Core Move Wins? (And how to use both in your TS program)
If you’ve ever wondered whether crunches or planks are better for your abs, you’re not alone. They’re two of the most popular core exercises—but they don’t train the body the same way.
Planks “fire up” the transverse abdominis—the deepest layer of your abs—“and activate the entire core from every angle,” said Noam Tamir, CSCS, founder and CEO of TS Fitness in New York City.
Their ability to engage muscles in this 360-degree fashion, as Tamir put it, is what makes planks superior in building core strength.
So what does each movement accomplish?
Planks = Deep core strength + stability
Planks activate more muscles at once, support better posture and lifting mechanics, and help protect your spine.
Crunches = Surface ab definition
Crunches target the “six-pack” muscles, but don’t challenge the deeper core the same way planks do.
The real win? You don’t have to choose.
Planks build the foundation. Crunches add definition. Together, they make your core stronger, more functional, and more balanced.
Want a breakdown of when to use each—and why experts (including TS founder Noam Tamir) say planks come out on top for full-core strength?
Read the full article on Health.com: Crunches or Planks: Which Is Better for Abs?
