Leg Raise vs Dumbbell Side Bend
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 3,811. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Dumbbell Side Bend and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Leg Raise vs Dumbbell 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 3,811 for Dumbbell Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Side Bend Differ
| What differs | Leg Raise | Dumbbell Side Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,383 sessions | 3,811 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 Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body to the side and lower the dumbbell down.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Excessive weight can put strain on your back, so please proceed with a lighter weight.
For a full Dumbbell Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Side Bend exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or Dumbbell Side Bend?
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 3,811 for Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Side Bend work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Dumbbell Side Bend loads abs.
What equipment do Leg Raise and Dumbbell Side Bend need?
Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Dumbbell Side Bend needs a dumbbell.
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