Kettlebell Swing vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Swing and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Kettlebell Swing vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell Swing and Side Leg Raise differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Kettlebell Swing and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Swing | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, front delts, and glutes | outer thighs and abs |
| Equipment | a kettlebell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,175 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Kettlebell Swing
Kettlebell Swing Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Hold the kettlebell with both hands and spread your feet wider than shoulder-width with your toes pointing outward.
- 2. Raise the kettlebell to shoulder height, then naturally push your hips back and bend your knees to bring the kettlebell between your legs.
- 3. Momentarily contract your hips while straightening your knees to raise the kettlebell back to shoulder height.
- 4. Keep your arms in a straight line and repeat the movement.
Coach's Tips
- The role of the hips and core is very important in exercise. Just by moving the hips back and forth while engaging the core, the movement can become more natural.
For a full Kettlebell Swing guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Swing exercise guide.
How to Do Side Leg Raise
Side Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your foot away from the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
For a full Side Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Leg Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Kettlebell Swing or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Kettlebell Swing more often — 1,175 sessions against 244 for Side Leg Raise. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Kettlebell Swing and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Kettlebell Swing loads abs, front delts, and glutes, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Kettlebell Swing and Side Leg Raise need?
Kettlebell Swing needs a kettlebell, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Swing once your form holds up.
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