Cable Side Bend vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Criss Cross is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Criss Cross more often — 188 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend 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 Side Bend and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Cable Side Bend
Cable Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body down in the opposite direction of the cable.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't bend your waist excessively; move only within a natural range.
- 2. Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy and maintain your balance to prevent your body from tilting.
For a full Cable Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Side Bend 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 Side Bend or Criss Cross?
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.
Do Cable Side Bend and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Side Bend loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Cable Side Bend and Criss Cross need?
Cable Side Bend 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 Side Bend once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
