Russian Twist vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Russian Twist and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Russian Twist vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Russian Twist | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,072 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Russian Twist
Russian Twist Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your knees raised and slightly lean your upper body back.
- 2. Bring your hands together at your chest and twist your upper body as if your elbows are touching your thighs.
- 3. Repeat the movement while maintaining tension in your abdomen.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When twisting your body, keep your knees fixed and make sure your feet do not lift off the floor.
- 2. Rather than excessively twisting your lower back, use your abdominal muscles to rotate your upper body to the side. Be careful not to bend or arch your lower back.
For a full Russian Twist guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Russian Twist 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, Russian Twist or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Russian Twist more often — 2,072 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 Russian Twist and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Russian Twist loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Russian Twist and Side Leg Raise need?
Russian Twist 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 Russian Twist once your form holds up.
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