Dumbbell Side Bend vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Dumbbell Side Bend vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Side Bend 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Side Bend | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,811 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body to the side and lower the dumbbell down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Excessive weight can put strain on your back, so please proceed with a lighter weight.
For a full Dumbbell Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Side Bend 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, Dumbbell Side Bend or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Side Bend loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Dumbbell Side Bend and Criss Cross need?
Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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