Hanging Leg Raise vs Abdominal Machine
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Abdominal Machine and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Abdominal Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions compared to 3,872 for Abdominal Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Abdominal Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Hanging Leg Raise and Abdominal Machine Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Abdominal Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 3,872 sessions |
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.
How to Do Abdominal Machine
Abdominal Machine Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your buttocks pressed against the edge of the chair, holding the armrests and opening your chest.
- 2. With your abdomen engaged, curl your upper body as if your knees are touching your chest.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your abdomen tense.
Coach's Tips
- When using the equipment, do not set the weight too high, and use your abdominal muscles to move.
For a full Abdominal Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Abdominal Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Abdominal Machine?
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.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Abdominal Machine need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Abdominal Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Abdominal Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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