AB Wheel vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log AB Wheel more often — 2,440 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of AB Wheel and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
AB Wheel vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log AB Wheel more often — 2,440 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. AB Wheel and Criss Cross differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How AB Wheel and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | AB Wheel | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and back | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,440 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do AB Wheel
AB Wheel Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push the app wheel forward while engaging your core.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When pushing the ab wheel, engage your abs so that your lower back does not bend, and be careful not to strain your lower back.
- 2. Since fully extending your body is very difficult, at first, roll out only a short distance that does not cause lower back pain to adjust the difficulty.
For a full AB Wheel guide with alternatives and benefits, see the AB Wheel exercise guide.
How to Do Criss Cross
Criss Cross Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie on the floor and raise both legs towards the sky at a 60-degree angle while keeping them together.
- 2. Interlock your fingers behind your head and lift your head off the floor.
- 3. Keep your toes pointed and prepare by looking at your toes.
- 4. Bend your right elbow and think of it touching your left knee while bending your knee and folding your upper body.
- 5. Do the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- If it's difficult because it's a high-intensity exercise, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Criss Cross guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Criss Cross exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, AB Wheel or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log AB Wheel more often — 2,440 sessions against 188 for Criss Cross. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do AB Wheel and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. AB Wheel loads abs and back, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do AB Wheel and Criss Cross need?
AB Wheel needs a machine, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Criss Cross is the easier place to start. Move to AB Wheel once your form holds up.
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