Dumbbell Side Bend vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Side Bend and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Dumbbell Side Bend vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Side Bend 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Side Bend | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,811 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body to the side and lower the dumbbell down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Excessive weight can put strain on your back, so please proceed with a lighter weight.
For a full Dumbbell Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Side Bend 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, Dumbbell Side Bend or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Side Bend more often — 3,811 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Side Bend loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Dumbbell Side Bend and Side Leg Raise need?
Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Side Bend once your form holds up.
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