TikTok claims this move is elite for building defined abs. Here’s what experts say:

So while having a balanced core routine is still important (more on that below), TikTok users are working on: [cable] “Crunches are good,” she added, especially if you’re weight-bearing.

Before that, Greaves explains exactly how to do cable crunches properly, common mistakes to avoid when learning the exercise, and how to build 360-degree core strength.

How to do cable crunches

Instructions: Start by testing by adding 5 to 10 pounds of weight as resistance. Doing 10-15 reps feels difficult and requires a lot of effort to complete 3 sets.

method:

1. Attach the rope to the high pulley of the cable machine.
2. Pull down on the rope while kneeling facing away from the machine. Make sure you are far enough away.
3. Lift your chest, hold the rope on the side of your head near your temples, engage your core and pull down towards your hips and pelvis, rounding your upper body in almost a C-curve.
4. Pause at the bottom for 1-2 seconds and release to regain control. That’s 1 rep.
5. Repeat 10-15 times.

Common cable crunch mistakes and how to fix them

• It’s too fast. “Tempo is everything. I’ve seen some people just rush through it and not really do anything because it’s all about momentum,” says Greaves. Move slowly, stop at the bottom, and “don’t let the weight pull you down.” This is how you actually train your abdominal muscles.
• It doesn’t mesh with the core. “Tighten your core and focus on actually flexing, tightening, and flexing your abdominal muscles to cause the movement, rather than flexing from your neck or arms,” ​​Greaves says.
• Move your hips. “If your hips are moving around, you may be carrying too much weight,” Greaves says. Choose a weight that allows you to keep your hips still throughout the movement.

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More tips for increasing total core strength

Cable crunches are great for building muscle, but they only work on local abdominal muscles rather than the entire core (including your lower back, obliques, and pelvis), so they don’t have many benefits other than aesthetics. “If your abs are strong but your lower back is weak, your posture will suffer,” she says. “You also might injure yourself when doing heavy squats because you haven’t trained your back.”

Therefore, cable crunches should only be done as an adjunct to core training, not the only exercise. To increase 360-degree core strength, she also recommends adding planks, side planks, bird dogs, and bicycle crunches to your routine. By doing so, you can develop true core strength so you can stay active this summer and beyond.

Addison Aroian is Associate Editor for Health and Fitness at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits across the health, weight loss, and fitness areas. She is also a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights at the gym, running along New York City’s West Side Highway (she recently completed her first marathon, the 2025 New York City Marathon), and watching (and critiquing!) the latest Oscar-buzz movies. In addition to Women’s Health, she has appeared on the Oprah Podcast and her work has appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.