Plank Push Up vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Plank Push Up and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank Push Up vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Plank Push Up | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, chest, and triceps | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 311 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up 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, Plank Push Up or Side Leg Raise?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Plank Push Up and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Plank Push Up and Side Leg Raise need?
Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up once your form holds up.
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