Side Leg Raise vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 5. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Side Leg Raise and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Side Leg Raise vs Cable Woodchopper: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Leg Raise more often — 244 sessions compared to 184 for Cable Woodchopper.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Leg Raise and Cable Woodchopper differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Side Leg Raise and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Side Leg Raise | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | outer thighs and abs | abs and quads |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 244 sessions | 184 sessions |
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.
How to Do Cable Woodchopper
Cable Woodchopper Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Pull diagonally downwards as if chopping a tree from top to bottom.
- 2. Rotate the pelvis and upper body together, and slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't just twist your waist; rotate with your core and hips.
- 2. Proceed with a manageable weight that you can control without momentum.
For a full Cable Woodchopper guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Woodchopper exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Leg Raise or Cable Woodchopper?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Leg Raise and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Side Leg Raise and Cable Woodchopper need?
Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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