Hanging Leg Raise vs Side Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions vs 897. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Side Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Side Plank: 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 897 for Side Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Side 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 Side Plank Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Side Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and front delts |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 897 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 Side Plank
Side Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie on your side and position your elbow under your shoulder.
- 2. Keep your legs together and engage your core and glutes to create a straight line from your head to your legs when viewed from above.
- 3. Maintain tension in your core for the given time and repeat the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When doing a side plank, make sure your body forms a straight line from your head to your toes, so that your lower back does not sag and your hips do not drop.
- 2. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or in your lower back, try lowering the difficulty by placing your knees on the floor.
For a full Side Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Side Plank?
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions against 897 for Side Plank. 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 Side Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hanging Leg Raise loads abs, and Side Plank loads abs and front delts.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Side Plank need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Side Plank needs bodyweight only.
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