AB Wheel vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log AB Wheel more often — 2,440 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
AB Wheel vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log AB Wheel more often — 2,440 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | AB Wheel | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and back | outer thighs and abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,440 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do AB Wheel
AB Wheel Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push the app wheel forward while engaging your core.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When pushing the ab wheel, engage your abs so that your lower back does not bend, and be careful not to strain your lower back.
- 2. Since fully extending your body is very difficult, at first, roll out only a short distance that does not cause lower back pain to adjust the difficulty.
For a full AB Wheel guide with alternatives and benefits, see the AB Wheel exercise guide.
How to Do Side Leg Raise
Side Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your foot away from the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
For a full Side Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Leg Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, AB Wheel or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log AB Wheel more often — 2,440 sessions against 244 for Side Leg Raise. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. AB Wheel loads abs and back, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise need?
AB Wheel needs a machine, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to AB Wheel once your form holds up.
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