Hip Extension vs Side Kick Back
Maximizing Your Leg Workout Plan
Contents
Hip Extension and Side Kick Back are close in use — 822 vs 530 sessions logged. What separates them is Leg loading and form.
Customize Your Leg Workout: Explore the Benefits of Hip Extension and Side Kick Back for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Hip Extension vs Side Kick Back : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Kick Back more often — 822 sessions compared to 530 for Hip Extension.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Hip Extension and Side Kick Back differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Hip Extension and Side Kick Back Differ
| What differs | Hip Extension | Side Kick Back |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | glutes and hamstrings | outer thighs |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 530 sessions | 822 sessions |
How to Hip Extension
Hip Extension muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise your leg with the sole facing the sky.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Comment
- Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Hip Extension, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Hip Extension Guide page of our blog!
How to Side Kick Back
Side Kick Back muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise one leg while keeping the knee at a 90-degree angle, parallel to the ground.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
- 2. Be careful not to bend your elbows.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Kick Back, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Kick Back Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hip Extension or Side Kick Back?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Hip Extension and Side Kick Back work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hip Extension loads glutes and hamstrings, and Side Kick Back loads outer thighs.
What equipment do Hip Extension and Side Kick Back need?
Hip Extension needs bodyweight only, and Side Kick Back needs bodyweight only.
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