Cross Body Crunch vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 sessions vs 311. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cross Body Crunch and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cross Body Crunch vs Plank Push Up: 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 311 for Plank Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cross Body Crunch and Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Cross Body Crunch | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,461 sessions | 311 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 Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cross Body Crunch or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 sessions against 311 for Plank Push Up. 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 Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cross Body Crunch loads abs, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Cross Body Crunch and Plank Push Up need?
Cross Body Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Cross Body Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Plank Push Up once your form holds up.
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