Leg Raise vs Crunch
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Leg Raise and Crunch for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Leg Raise vs Crunch : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Leg Raise and Crunch differ in the muscles they load, 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 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 Comment
- If your back hurts, you can place your hands under your hips to prevent your back from arching.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Crunch, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Crunch Guide page of our blog!
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.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

