Leg Raise vs Russian Twist
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 2,172. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Russian Twist and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Leg Raise vs Russian Twist: 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 2,172 for Russian Twist.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist Differ
| What differs | Leg Raise | Russian Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | abs |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,383 sessions | 2,172 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 Russian Twist
Russian Twist Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your knees raised and slightly lean your upper body back.
- 2. Bring your hands together at your chest and twist your upper body as if your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Repeat the movement while maintaining tension in your abdomen.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, keep your knees fixed and make sure your feet do not lift off the floor.
- 2. Rather than excessively twisting your lower back, use your abdominal muscles to rotate your upper body to the side. Be careful not to bend or arch your lower back.
For a full Russian Twist guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Russian Twist exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or Russian Twist?
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 2,172 for Russian Twist. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Leg Raise and Russian Twist work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Russian Twist loads abs.
What equipment do Leg Raise and Russian Twist need?
Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Russian Twist needs bodyweight only.
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