Hanging Leg Raise vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Heel Touch Crunch: 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 6,346 for Heel Touch Crunch.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch 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 Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 6,346 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 Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Heel Touch Crunch?
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.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Heel Touch Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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