Side Leg Raise vs Heel Touch Crunch
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Side Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Side Leg Raise vs Heel Touch Crunch: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch 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 Heel Touch Crunch Differ
| What differs | Side Leg Raise | Heel Touch Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | outer thighs and abs | abs |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 244 sessions | 6,346 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 Heel Touch Crunch
Heel Touch Crunch Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie down with your knees raised and lift your shoulders off the ground.
- 2. With your shoulders lifted, reach out with your hand towards one heel.
- 3. Return to the starting position and reach out with your hand towards the opposite heel.
Coach's Tips
- The upper part of your body should not touch the floor throughout the movement.
For a full Heel Touch Crunch guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Heel Touch Crunch exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Leg Raise or Heel Touch Crunch?
Planfit users log Heel Touch Crunch more often — 6,346 sessions against 244 for Side Leg Raise. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs, and Heel Touch Crunch loads abs.
What equipment do Side Leg Raise and Heel Touch Crunch need?
Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only, and Heel Touch Crunch needs bodyweight only.
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