Cable Crunch vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable 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 Cable Crunch and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please bend your upper body so that your abdominal muscles can contract.
- 2. Imagine that your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you choose a weight that is too heavy, it will be difficult to control the exercise, so please select an appropriate weight.
For a full Cable Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable 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, Cable Crunch or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Cable Crunch more often — 2,520 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 Cable Crunch and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Crunch loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and Criss Cross need?
Cable Crunch 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 Cable Crunch once your form holds up.
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