Plank vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank 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 Plank and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Plank | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,776 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank 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, Plank or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 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 Plank and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Plank and Criss Cross need?
Plank 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 Plank once your form holds up.
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