Hanging Leg Raise vs Toes to Bar
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions vs 129. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hanging Leg Raise and Toes to Bar and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Hanging Leg Raise vs Toes to Bar: 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 129 for Toes to Bar.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hanging Leg Raise and Toes to Bar 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 Toes to Bar Differ
| What differs | Hanging Leg Raise | Toes to Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs, quads, and hamstrings |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,481 sessions | 129 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 Toes to Bar
Toes to Bar Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your legs so that your toes can touch the bar.
- 2. When lowering, please do so slowly while engaging your core.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If your toes do not touch the bar, please raise them only as high as you can.
- 2. Since this is a very difficult exercise, please substitute it with hanging leg raises or leg raises if it's too hard.
For a full Toes to Bar guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Toes to Bar exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Hanging Leg Raise or Toes to Bar?
Planfit users log Hanging Leg Raise more often — 6,481 sessions against 129 for Toes to Bar. 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 Toes to Bar work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hanging Leg Raise loads abs, and Toes to Bar loads abs, quads, and hamstrings.
What equipment do Hanging Leg Raise and Toes to Bar need?
Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Toes to Bar needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Hanging Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Toes to Bar once your form holds up.
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