Cross Body Crunch vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cross Body Crunch and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cross Body Crunch vs Side Leg Raise: 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 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cross Body Crunch and Side Leg Raise 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 Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Cross Body Crunch | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,461 sessions | 244 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 Side Leg Raise
Side Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your foot away from the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
For a full Side Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Leg Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cross Body Crunch or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Cross Body Crunch more often — 2,461 sessions against 244 for Side Leg Raise. 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 Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cross Body Crunch loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Cross Body Crunch and Side Leg Raise need?
Cross Body Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Cross Body Crunch once your form holds up.
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