Hanging Leg Raise vs Bicycle Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Bicycle Crunch is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Bicycle Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Bicycle Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bicycle Crunch more often — 11,785 sessions compared to 6,481 for Hanging Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Bicycle Crunch 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 Bicycle Crunch Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Bicycle Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and glutes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 11,785 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 Bicycle Crunch
Bicycle Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your upper body so that one elbow touches the opposite knee.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Lift your upper body so that the opposite elbow touches the other knee.
- 4. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Maintain tension in your abdomen and be careful not to strain your neck.
For a full Bicycle Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bicycle Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Bicycle Crunch?
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 Hanging Leg Raise and Bicycle Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hanging Leg Raise loads abs, and Bicycle Crunch loads abs and glutes.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Bicycle Crunch need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Bicycle Crunch needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Bicycle Crunch is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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