Cross Body Crunch vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions vs 2,461. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cross Body Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cross Body Crunch vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 2,461 for Cross Body Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cross Body Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch 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 Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Cross Body Crunch | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,461 sessions | 6,346 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 Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cross Body Crunch or Heel Touch Crunch?
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions against 2,461 for Cross Body Crunch. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Cross Body Crunch and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Cross Body Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Cross Body Crunch once your form holds up.
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