Hanging Leg Raise vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise 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 Hanging Leg Raise and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Hanging Leg Raise
Hanging Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Keep your legs straight and lift them up to your waist.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since it's a high-difficulty exercise, please substitute it with leg raises if it's too difficult.
For a full Hanging Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging Leg Raise 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, Hanging Leg Raise or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 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 Hanging Leg Raise and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hanging Leg Raise loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Criss Cross need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Criss Cross is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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