Crunch vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Crunch and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Crunch vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Crunch 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 Crunch and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Crunch | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,245 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Crunch
Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body while keeping your back straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you lift your upper body excessively, it can strain your lower back, so please lift your upper body without raising your back.
- 2. If your neck hurts, support your head with your hands and relax your neck while proceeding.
For a full Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Crunch 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, Crunch or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Crunch more often — 29,245 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 Crunch and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Crunch loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Crunch and Side Leg Raise need?
Crunch needs bodyweight only, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
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