Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Captains Chair Leg Raise more often — 9,849 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Captains Chair Leg Raise and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Captains Chair Leg Raise more often — 9,849 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Captains Chair Leg Raise 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 Captains Chair Leg Raise and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Captains Chair Leg Raise | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,849 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Captains Chair Leg Raise
Captains Chair Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Keep your legs straight and lift them up to your waist.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Beginners, be careful not to excessively arch your lower back, and slowly lift your legs.
- 2. When lifting your legs, do not use momentum, and focus on lifting only with the strength of your lower abdominal muscles.
For a full Captains Chair Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Captains Chair Leg Raise 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, Captains Chair Leg Raise or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Captains Chair Leg Raise more often — 9,849 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 Captains Chair Leg Raise and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Captains Chair Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Captains Chair Leg Raise and Criss Cross need?
Captains Chair Leg Raise needs a machine, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Criss Cross once your form holds up.
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