Oblique Crunch vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Oblique Crunch more often — 963 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Oblique Crunch and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Oblique Crunch vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Oblique Crunch more often — 963 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Oblique Crunch 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 Oblique Crunch and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Oblique Crunch | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 963 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Oblique Crunch
Oblique Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body to the side and contract your side.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Without raising your upper body using the arm placed on the floor, lift your upper body using your core strength.
- 2. If you excessively bend your neck or use momentum, it can strain your neck or lower back.
- 3. If the movement is difficult, adjust the height you lift and perform the exercise gently.
For a full Oblique Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Oblique Crunch 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, Oblique Crunch or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Oblique Crunch more often — 963 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.
Do Oblique Crunch and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Oblique Crunch loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Oblique Crunch and Criss Cross need?
Oblique Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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