Criss Cross vs Cable Woodchopper
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 Criss Cross and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Criss Cross vs Cable Woodchopper: 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 184 for Cable Woodchopper.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Criss Cross and Cable Woodchopper differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Criss Cross and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Criss Cross | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, quads, and glutes | abs and quads |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 188 sessions | 184 sessions |
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.
How to Do Cable Woodchopper
Cable Woodchopper Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Pull diagonally downwards as if chopping a tree from top to bottom.
- 2. Rotate the pelvis and upper body together, and slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't just twist your waist; rotate with your core and hips.
- 2. Proceed with a manageable weight that you can control without momentum.
For a full Cable Woodchopper guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Woodchopper exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Criss Cross or Cable Woodchopper?
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 Criss Cross and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Criss Cross and Cable Woodchopper need?
Criss Cross needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Criss Cross is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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