Plank vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank 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 and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Plank | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs 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 | 9,776 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank 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 or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 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 Plank and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Plank and Side Leg Raise need?
Plank 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 once your form holds up.
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