Leg Raise vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Leg Raise and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Leg Raise vs Side 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 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Leg Raise and Side 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 Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Leg Raise | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and quads | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,383 sessions | 244 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 Side Leg Raise
Side Leg Raise Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your foot away from the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
For a full Side Leg Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Leg Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Leg Raise or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 244 for Side 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 Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Leg Raise loads abs and quads, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Leg Raise and Side Leg Raise need?
Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Leg Raise once your form holds up.
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