Abdominal Machine vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Abdominal Machine and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Abdominal Machine vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Abdominal Machine 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 Abdominal Machine and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Abdominal Machine | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,872 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Abdominal Machine
Abdominal Machine Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your buttocks pressed against the edge of the chair, holding the armrests and opening your chest.
- 2. With your abdomen engaged, curl your upper body as if your knees are touching your chest.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your abdomen tense.
Coach's Tips
- When using the equipment, do not set the weight too high, and use your abdominal muscles to move.
For a full Abdominal Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Abdominal Machine 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, Abdominal Machine or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 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 Abdominal Machine and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Abdominal Machine loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Abdominal Machine and Criss Cross need?
Abdominal Machine needs a machine, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Criss Cross once your form holds up.
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