Hanging Leg Raise vs Barbell Thruster
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions vs 38. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Barbell Thruster and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Barbell Thruster: 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 38 for Barbell Thruster.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Barbell Thruster 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 Barbell Thruster Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Barbell Thruster |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | front delts, quads, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 38 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 Barbell Thruster
Barbell Thruster Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push your hips back and do a deep squat.
- 2. Stand up and press the barbell overhead in one motion.
- 3. Lower the barbell back to your shoulders and continue to the next squat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
- 2. Make sure your knees don't go past your toes, and avoid excessive weight.
For a full Barbell Thruster guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Thruster exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Barbell Thruster?
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions against 38 for Barbell Thruster. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Hanging Leg Raise and Barbell Thruster work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hanging Leg Raise loads abs, and Barbell Thruster loads front delts, quads, and triceps.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Barbell Thruster need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Barbell Thruster needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Hanging Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Thruster once your form holds up.
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