Cross Body Crunch vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cross Body Crunch and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cross Body Crunch vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cross Body 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 Cross Body Crunch and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Cross Body Crunch | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,461 sessions | 188 sessions |
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.
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, Cross Body Crunch or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 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 Cross Body Crunch and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cross Body Crunch loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Cross Body Crunch and Criss Cross need?
Cross Body Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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