Hanging Leg Raise vs Sit Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Sit Up 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 Sit Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Sit Up: 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 3,693 for Sit Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Sit Up 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 Sit Up Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Sit Up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 3,693 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 Sit Up
Sit Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body so that you can sit up straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you have pain in your lower back, avoid sit-ups and substitute with crunches.
- 2. When lifting your upper body, be careful not to overextend your lower back or pull your neck too much.
For a full Sit Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Sit Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Sit Up?
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 Sit Up need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Sit Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Sit Up is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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