Seated Knee Up vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 4,601 sessions vs 252. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Knee Up and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Seated Knee Up vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 4,601 sessions compared to 252 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Knee 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 Seated Knee Up and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Seated Knee Up | 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 | 4,601 sessions | 252 sessions |
How to Do Seated Knee Up
Seated Knee Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lift your lower body so that your knees and chest come closer together.
- 2. Allow your upper body to naturally lean forward so that your core can contract.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If it's too difficult, try proceeding with your knees bent.
For a full Seated Knee Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Knee 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, Seated Knee Up or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Seated Knee Up more often — 4,601 sessions against 252 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 Seated Knee Up and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Knee Up loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Seated Knee Up and Side Leg Raise need?
Seated Knee 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 Seated Knee Up once your form holds up.
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