Reverse Crunch vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 868 sessions vs 97. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Reverse Crunch and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Reverse Crunch vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 868 sessions compared to 97 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Reverse 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 Reverse Crunch and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Reverse Crunch | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 868 sessions | 97 sessions |
How to Do Reverse Crunch
Reverse Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your knees so that they are perpendicular to the ground while lying on the floor.
- 2. Engage your abs as if your knees are touching your chest and lift your hips up.
- 3. Hold this position for about 1 second, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to lift your lower back excessively off the floor, and focus on engaging your abdominal muscles.
For a full Reverse Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Reverse 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, Reverse Crunch or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Reverse Crunch more often — 868 sessions against 97 for Criss Cross. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Reverse Crunch and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Reverse Crunch loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Reverse Crunch and Criss Cross need?
Reverse Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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