Hanging Leg Raise vs Dumbbell Side Bend
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Side Bend 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 Dumbbell Side Bend and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Dumbbell Side Bend: 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 3,811 for Dumbbell Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Dumbbell Side Bend 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 Dumbbell Side Bend Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Dumbbell Side Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 3,811 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Dumbbell Side Bend?
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 Dumbbell Side Bend need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Side Bend is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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