Bicycle Crunch vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bicycle Crunch and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Bicycle Crunch vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bicycle Crunch 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 Bicycle Crunch and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Bicycle Crunch | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 11,785 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Bicycle Crunch
Bicycle Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body so that one elbow touches the opposite knee.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Lift your upper body so that the opposite elbow touches the other knee.
- 4. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Maintain tension in your abdomen and be careful not to strain your neck.
For a full Bicycle Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bicycle Crunch 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, Bicycle Crunch or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 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 Bicycle Crunch and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Bicycle Crunch loads abs and glutes, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Bicycle Crunch and Criss Cross need?
Bicycle Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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