Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Captains Chair Leg Raise and Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Plank: 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 9,776 for Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Captains Chair Leg Raise and Plank 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 Plank Differ
| What differs | Captains Chair Leg Raise | Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,849 sessions | 9,776 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 Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Captains Chair Leg Raise or Plank?
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 Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Captains Chair Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Plank loads abs and glutes.
What equipment do Captains Chair Leg Raise and Plank need?
Captains Chair Leg Raise needs a machine, and Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Plank once your form holds up.
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