Cable Crunch vs Cross Body Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Cross Body Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Cable Crunch and Cross Body Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Crunch vs Cross Body Crunch: 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 2,461 for Cross Body Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Crunch and Cross Body Crunch 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 Cross Body Crunch Differ
| What differs | Cable Crunch | Cross Body Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,520 sessions | 2,461 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 Cross Body Crunch
Cross Body Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down looking at the sky, bend your knees, and stretch your arms and fingertips to position them over your knees.
- 2. While engaging your abdominal muscles, lift your upper body and simultaneously poke your fingertips to the outside of your thighs.
- 3. Without releasing tension in your abdominal muscles, slowly return to the starting position.
- 4. As you lift your upper body, poke your fingertips to the outside of the opposite thigh as well.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, be careful not to pull your neck, and move slowly.
- 2. Use your abdominal muscles to keep your lower back from excessively lifting off the floor.
For a full Cross Body Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cross Body Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Crunch or Cross Body Crunch?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Cable Crunch and Cross Body Crunch need?
Cable Crunch needs a machine, and Cross Body Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Cross Body Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Crunch once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
