Crunches vs Leg Raises: Which Is Better?
Quick answer: Calorie burn is nearly identical (5 vs 5 cal/min). They train different muscle groups (rectus abdominis vs lower abdominals, hip flexors). Crunches is the more beginner-friendly start.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Crunches | Leg Raises |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Muscles | Rectus Abdominis | Lower Abdominals, Hip Flexors |
| Secondary Muscles | Obliques | Rectus Abdominis, Obliques |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Equipment | None (bodyweight) | None (bodyweight) |
| Calories/Min | ~5 cal | ~5 cal |
| Category | Core | Core |
| Fitnit AI Tracked | Yes | No |
When to Choose Crunches
Crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that isolates the rectus abdominis. When performed correctly, they're an effective way to build core strength and muscular endurance.
Choose crunches when you want to target your rectus abdominis without any equipment. Rated beginner difficulty, burning ~5 cal/min.
Key Benefits
- Targets the rectus abdominis specifically
- Low impact and beginner-friendly
- No equipment required
- Can be performed anywhere
When to Choose Leg Raises
Leg raises target the often-neglected lower portion of the abdominals and hip flexors. They're one of the most effective exercises for building lower ab strength and definition.
Choose leg raises when you want to target your lower abdominals and hip flexors without any equipment. Rated intermediate difficulty, burning ~5 cal/min.
Key Benefits
- Targets lower abdominals specifically
- Improves hip flexor strength
- Builds core endurance
- No equipment required for floor version
Can You Combine Them?
Crunches and leg raises work great together. Since they target the same group from different angles, combining them creates a well-rounded session.
Sample superset: Do a set of crunches, rest 30s, then leg raises. Rest 60-90s and repeat 3-4 rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crunches or leg raises better for beginners?
Crunches is the easier start at beginner level.
Which burns more calories?
They're close: 5 vs 5 cal/min. The choice should come down to which muscles you want to train.
Can I do both in the same workout?
Yes. Since both are core but hit different angles, pair them in the same session. Try crunches for targets the rectus abdominis specifically, then leg raises after ~60s rest.
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