Leg Raise vs Cable Side Bend
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 138. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Cable Side Bend and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Leg Raise vs Cable Side Bend: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Cable Side Bend differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Leg Raise and Cable Side Bend Differ
| What differs | Leg Raise | Cable Side Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,383 sessions | 138 sessions |
How to Do Leg Raise
Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slightly bend your knees and lift your legs so that they are vertical to the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your back hurts, you can place your hands under your hips to prevent your back from arching.
For a full Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Side Bend
Cable Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body down in the opposite direction of the cable.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't bend your waist excessively; move only within a natural range.
- 2. Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy and maintain your balance to prevent your body from tilting.
For a full Cable Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Side Bend exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or Cable Side Bend?
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 138 for Cable Side Bend. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Raise and Cable Side Bend work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Cable Side Bend loads abs.
What equipment do Leg Raise and Cable Side Bend need?
Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Cable Side Bend needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Side Bend once your form holds up.
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