Leg Raise vs Mountain Climber
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 1,794. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Mountain Climber and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Leg Raise vs Mountain Climber: 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 1,794 for Mountain Climber.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber Differ
| What differs | Leg Raise | Mountain Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs, quads, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,383 sessions | 1,794 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 Mountain Climber
Mountain Climber Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and lie face down, lightly engaging your core to create a straight line with your body.
- 2. While keeping one foot off the ground, pull your knee towards your chest.
- 3. As you return the lifted foot to its original position, lift the opposite foot and pull its knee towards your chest, repeating the process.
Coach's Tips
- This exercise is done quickly to achieve the effects of aerobic exercise rather than slowly feeling the stimulation. Try to perform it at a slightly faster tempo than other exercises.
For a full Mountain Climber guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Mountain Climber exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or Mountain Climber?
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 1,794 for Mountain Climber. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Raise and Mountain Climber work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Mountain Climber loads abs, quads, and glutes.
What equipment do Leg Raise and Mountain Climber need?
Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Mountain Climber needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Mountain Climber once your form holds up.
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