Mountain Climber vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Mountain Climber and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Mountain Climber vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Mountain Climber | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,794 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Mountain Climber
Mountain Climber Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and lie face down, lightly engaging your core to create a straight line with your body.
- 2. While keeping one foot off the ground, pull your knee towards your chest.
- 3. As you return the lifted foot to its original position, lift the opposite foot and pull its knee towards your chest, repeating the process.
Coach's Tips
- This exercise is done quickly to achieve the effects of aerobic exercise rather than slowly feeling the stimulation. Try to perform it at a slightly faster tempo than other exercises.
For a full Mountain Climber guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Mountain Climber 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, Mountain Climber or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 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.
What equipment do Mountain Climber and Criss Cross need?
Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber once your form holds up.
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