Leg Raise vs Crunch
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Leg Raise vs Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
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.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Crunch differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Leg Raise and Crunch Differ
| What differs | Leg Raise | Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,383 sessions | 29,245 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- If your back hurts, you can place your hands under your hips to prevent your back from arching.
For a full Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Raise exercise guide.
How to Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or 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.
Do Leg Raise and Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Leg Raise and Crunch need?
Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Crunch 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.
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