Mountain Climber vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Mountain Climber and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Mountain Climber vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Mountain Climber | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, quads, and glutes | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,794 sessions | 244 sessions |
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.
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, Mountain Climber or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 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 Mountain Climber and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Mountain Climber loads abs, quads, and glutes, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Mountain Climber and Side Leg Raise need?
Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber once your form holds up.
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