Leg Raise vs Side Leg Raise
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Leg Raise and Side Leg Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Leg Raise vs Side Leg Raise : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Leg Raise and Side Leg Raise differ in the muscles they load, 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 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 Comment
- If your back hurts, you can place your hands under your hips to prevent your back from arching.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
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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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

