Abdominal Machine vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Abdominal Machine and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Abdominal Machine vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Abdominal Machine 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 Abdominal Machine and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Abdominal Machine | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,872 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Abdominal Machine
Abdominal Machine Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your buttocks pressed against the edge of the chair, holding the armrests and opening your chest.
- 2. With your abdomen engaged, curl your upper body as if your knees are touching your chest.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your abdomen tense.
Coach's Tips
- When using the equipment, do not set the weight too high, and use your abdominal muscles to move.
For a full Abdominal Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Abdominal Machine 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, Abdominal Machine or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Abdominal Machine more often — 3,872 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 Abdominal Machine and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Abdominal Machine loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Abdominal Machine and Side Leg Raise need?
Abdominal Machine needs a machine, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
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