Side Kick Back vs Hip Extension Machine
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Side Kick Back and Hip Extension Machine are close in use — 822 vs 524 sessions logged. What separates them is Leg loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Side Kick Back and Hip Extension Machine and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Side Kick Back vs Hip Extension Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Kick Back more often — 822 sessions compared to 524 for Hip Extension Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Kick Back and Hip Extension Machine 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 Hip Extension Machine Differ
| What differs | Side Kick Back | Hip Extension Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | outer thighs | glutes and hamstrings |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 822 sessions | 524 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 Hip Extension Machine
Hip Extension Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please push your foot back.
- 2. Please slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Please proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
For a full Hip Extension Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Extension Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Side Kick Back or Hip Extension Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Kick Back and Hip Extension Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Kick Back loads outer thighs, and Hip Extension Machine loads glutes and hamstrings.
What equipment do Side Kick Back and Hip Extension Machine need?
Side Kick Back needs bodyweight only, and Hip Extension Machine needs a machine.
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