Hanging Leg Raise vs Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Plank is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions compared to 6,481 for Hanging Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Plank 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 Plank Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and glutes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 9,776 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 Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Plank?
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 Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hanging Leg Raise loads abs, and Plank loads abs and glutes.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Plank need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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