Crunch vs Leg Raise
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Crunch and Leg Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Crunch vs Leg Raise : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions compared to 26,383 for Leg Raise.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Crunch and Leg Raise differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Crunch and Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and quads |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 26,383 sessions |
How to Crunch
Crunch muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body while keeping your back straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you lift your upper body excessively, it can strain your lower back, so please lift your upper body without raising your back.
- 2. If your neck hurts, support your head with your hands and relax your neck while proceeding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Crunch, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Crunch Guide page of our blog!
How to Leg Raise
Leg Raise muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slightly bend your knees and lift your legs so that they are vertical to the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- If your back hurts, you can place your hands under your hips to prevent your back from arching.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Crunch or Leg Raise?
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 Crunch and Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Crunch loads abs, and Leg Raise loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Crunch and Leg Raise need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Leg Raise once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

