Knees to Elbow vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Knees to Elbow and Criss Cross are close in use — 347 vs 188 sessions logged. What separates them is Core loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Knees to Elbow and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Knees to Elbow vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Knees to Elbow more often — 347 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Knees to Elbow 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 Knees to Elbow and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Knees to Elbow | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 347 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Knees to Elbow
Knees to Elbow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Place both hands behind your head and engage your core.
- 2. As you lift your upper body, touch one elbow to the opposite knee.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the same on the other side.
Coach's Tips
- When raising your knees, engage your core and be careful not to twist your body excessively.
For a full Knees to Elbow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Knees to Elbow 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, Knees to Elbow or Criss Cross?
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 Knees to Elbow and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Knees to Elbow loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Knees to Elbow and Criss Cross need?
Knees to Elbow needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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