Side Kick Back vs Cross Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cross Lunge more often — 2,196 sessions vs 822. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Side Kick Back and Cross Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Side Kick Back vs Cross Lunge: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cross Lunge more often — 2,196 sessions compared to 822 for Side Kick Back.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Kick Back and Cross Lunge differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Side Kick Back and Cross Lunge Differ
| What differs | Side Kick Back | Cross Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | outer thighs | quads, glutes, and outer thighs |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 822 sessions | 2,196 sessions |
How to Do Side Kick Back
Side Kick Back Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise one leg while keeping the knee at a 90-degree angle, parallel to the ground.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
- 2. Be careful not to bend your elbows.
For a full Side Kick Back guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Kick Back exercise guide.
How to Do Cross Lunge
Cross Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Move one leg behind the other leg to cross the two legs while bending your knees.
- 2. Keep your upper body facing forward without turning.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 4. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. Please make sure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Cross Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cross Lunge exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Side Kick Back or Cross Lunge?
Planfit users log Cross Lunge more often — 2,196 sessions against 822 for Side Kick Back. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Kick Back and Cross Lunge work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Kick Back loads outer thighs, and Cross Lunge loads quads, glutes, and outer thighs.
What equipment do Side Kick Back and Cross Lunge need?
Side Kick Back needs bodyweight only, and Cross Lunge needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Kick Back is the easier place to start. Move to Cross Lunge once your form holds up.
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