Both of those are great core workouts! You need to be aware of one thing: There are many different muscles in the core, so they all need work!
Your abs are the one in front that give you the 6pack (if you want it) and aid in pulling in just the up and down direction. They're rather important for pole, too, and so I find the switch exercise to be really helpful!
The transverse abdominus is a BIG part of your core, and it goes across both sides of your body, and it aids in…well, everything! I'm serious! This is also the muscle to work if you want to give your waist some shape (or so I'm told!) and the crunches that twist (elbow to opposite knee kind of thing) work that muscle.
Third ones are your obliques, and they are up the sides, and through the ribs (I think??) and they are quite important for turning your torso side to side, helps with side leg lifts, that kind of thing. These ones are hard for me…things like side plank holds on the floor work well. If you lay on your side, with your upper body propped up on your elbow (so that your arm is pressing into the floor), cross your ankles so that the top leg has it's foot on the floor, and lift your hips. It's hard! But, it works. As far as I know.
I may have some odd information (odd meaning wrong!) because it's been a while, but hopefully this helps a bit. I'm trying hard to strengthen my core, too! I've never had a strong one, so working on it and suddenly having that little bit of strength is…enlightening!