Cable Side Bend vs Side Leg Raise
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 5. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Cable Side Bend and Side Leg Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Cable Side Bend vs Side Leg Raise : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Leg Raise more often — 244 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Cable Side Bend 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 Cable Side Bend and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Cable Side Bend
Cable Side Bend muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body down in the opposite direction of the cable.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Don't bend your waist excessively; move only within a natural range.
- 2. Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy and maintain your balance to prevent your body from tilting.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Cable Side Bend, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Cable Side Bend 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, Cable Side Bend or Side Leg Raise?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Cable Side Bend and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Side Bend loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Cable Side Bend and Side Leg Raise need?
Cable Side Bend 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 Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

