Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Hanging Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Captains Chair Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Hanging Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Captains Chair Leg Raise more often — 9,849 sessions compared to 6,481 for Hanging Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Captains Chair Leg Raise and Hanging 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 Captains Chair Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Captains Chair Leg Raise | Hanging Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,849 sessions | 6,481 sessions |
How to Do Captains Chair Leg Raise
Captains Chair Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Keep your legs straight and lift them up to your waist.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Beginners, be careful not to excessively arch your lower back, and slowly lift your legs.
- 2. When lifting your legs, do not use momentum, and focus on lifting only with the strength of your lower abdominal muscles.
For a full Captains Chair Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Captains Chair Leg Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Hanging Leg Raise
Hanging Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Keep your legs straight and lift them up to your waist.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since it's a high-difficulty exercise, please substitute it with leg raises if it's too difficult.
For a full Hanging Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging Leg Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Captains Chair Leg Raise or Hanging 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 Captains Chair Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Captains Chair Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Hanging Leg Raise loads abs.
What equipment do Captains Chair Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise need?
Captains Chair Leg Raise needs a machine, and Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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