Side Leg Raise vs Full Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Side Leg Raise and Full Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Side Leg Raise vs Full Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Full Plank more often — 341 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Leg Raise and Full Plank 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 Full Plank Differ
| What differs | Side Leg Raise | Full Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | outer thighs and abs | abs, chest, and glutes |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 244 sessions | 341 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 Full Plank
Full Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Extend your elbows and maintain a position where your shoulders and arms are vertical, keeping your feet narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Imagine there is a long stick behind your back and align your head, waist, hips, and legs in a straight line.
- 3. Raise your toes, engage your core and glutes, and hold the position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your body in a straight line and be careful not to let your back sag.
For a full Full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Full Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Leg Raise or Full Plank?
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 Full Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs, and Full Plank loads abs, chest, and glutes.
What equipment do Side Leg Raise and Full Plank need?
Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Full Plank needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Full Plank once your form holds up.
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