Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Seated Knee Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Captains Chair Leg Raise and Seated Knee Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Captains Chair Leg Raise vs Seated Knee Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 9,913 sessions compared to 9,849 for Captains Chair Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Captains Chair Leg Raise and Seated Knee Up 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 Seated Knee Up Differ
| What differs | Captains Chair Leg Raise | Seated Knee Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,849 sessions | 9,913 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 Seated Knee Up
Seated Knee Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your lower body so that your knees and chest come closer together.
- 2. Allow your upper body to naturally lean forward so that your core can contract.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try proceeding with your knees bent.
For a full Seated Knee Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Knee Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Captains Chair Leg Raise or Seated Knee Up?
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 Seated Knee Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Captains Chair Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Seated Knee Up loads abs.
What equipment do Captains Chair Leg Raise and Seated Knee Up need?
Captains Chair Leg Raise needs a machine, and Seated Knee Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Captains Chair Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Knee Up once your form holds up.
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