Leg Raise vs Hanging Leg Raise

Which one fits your Core workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 6,481. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.

Leg Raise vs Hanging Leg Raise: 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 6,481 for Hanging Leg Raise.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Hanging 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 Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise Differ

What differsLeg RaiseHanging Leg Raise
Muscles workedabs and quadsabs
Difficulty2 of 54 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users26,383 sessions6,481 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Leg Raise or Hanging Leg Raise fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Leg Raise

Leg Raise demo video

Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core

Form

  1. 1. Slightly bend your knees and lift your legs so that they are vertical to the floor.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Leg Raise?Exercise Guide

How to Do Hanging Leg Raise

Hanging Leg Raise demo video

Hanging Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core

Form

  1. 1. Keep your legs straight and lift them up to your waist.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. Since it's a high-difficulty exercise, please substitute it with leg raises if it's too difficult.

For a full Hanging Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging Leg Raise exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Hanging Leg Raise?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or Hanging Leg Raise?

Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 6,481 for Hanging Leg Raise. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise work the same muscles?

Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Hanging Leg Raise loads abs.

What equipment do Leg Raise and Hanging Leg Raise need?

Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Hanging Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.

Which is easier to start with?

Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging Leg Raise once your form holds up.

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