Side Kick Back vs Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Side Kick Back is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Side Kick Back and Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Side Kick Back vs Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull: 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 511 for Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Kick Back and Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull 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 Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull Differ
| What differs | Side Kick Back | Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | outer thighs | glutes, side delts, and hamstrings |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a kettlebell |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 822 sessions | 511 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 Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull
Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Move your hips back while lifting the kettlebell forward.
- 2. Push against the floor, applying pressure to the center of your feet.
- 3. When you are fully upright, lift the kettlebell to your sternum while keeping your chest open, then lower it.
- 4. Again, push your hips back and bend your knees to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
- 3. Be careful not to let your knees come together when standing up.
- 4. Do not excessively arch your back while trying to keep it straight.
For a full Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Side Kick Back or Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull?
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 Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Kick Back loads outer thighs, and Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull loads glutes, side delts, and hamstrings.
What equipment do Side Kick Back and Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull need?
Side Kick Back needs bodyweight only, and Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Kick Back is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Sumo Deadlift HighPull once your form holds up.
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