Russian Twist vs Criss Cross
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions vs 188. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Russian Twist and Criss Cross and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Russian Twist vs Criss Cross: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions compared to 188 for Criss Cross.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist and Criss Cross Differ
| What differs | Russian Twist | Criss Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,072 sessions | 188 sessions |
How to Do Russian Twist
Russian Twist Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your knees raised and slightly lean your upper body back.
- 2. Bring your hands together at your chest and twist your upper body as if your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Repeat the movement while maintaining tension in your abdomen.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, keep your knees fixed and make sure your feet do not lift off the floor.
- 2. Rather than excessively twisting your lower back, use your abdominal muscles to rotate your upper body to the side. Be careful not to bend or arch your lower back.
For a full Russian Twist guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Russian Twist 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, Russian Twist or Criss Cross?
Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 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 Russian Twist and Criss Cross work the same muscles?
Not quite. Russian Twist loads abs, and Criss Cross loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Russian Twist and Criss Cross need?
Russian Twist needs bodyweight only, and Criss Cross needs bodyweight only.
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