Knees to Elbow vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Knees to Elbow and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Knees to Elbow vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Knees to Elbow more often — 347 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Knees to Elbow 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 Knees to Elbow and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Knees to Elbow | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 347 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Knees to Elbow
Knees to Elbow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Place both hands behind your head and engage your core.
- 2. As you lift your upper body, touch one elbow to the opposite knee.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the same on the other side.
Coach's Tips
- When raising your knees, engage your core and be careful not to twist your body excessively.
For a full Knees to Elbow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Knees to Elbow 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, Knees to Elbow or Side Leg Raise?
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.
Do Knees to Elbow and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Knees to Elbow loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Knees to Elbow and Side Leg Raise need?
Knees to Elbow needs bodyweight only, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Knees to Elbow once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
