AB Wheel vs Side Leg Raise
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about AB Wheel vs Side Leg Raise : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. AB Wheel and Side Leg Raise differ in the muscles they load, 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 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to AB Wheel, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the AB Wheel Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
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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