Side Plank vs Leg Raise
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions vs 897. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Side Plank and Leg Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Side Plank vs Leg Raise : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions compared to 897 for Side Plank.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Side Plank and Leg Raise differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Side Plank and Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Side Plank | Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and front delts | abs and quads |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 897 sessions | 26,383 sessions |
How to Side Plank
Side Plank muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie on your side and position your elbow under your shoulder.
- 2. Keep your legs together and engage your core and glutes to create a straight line from your head to your legs when viewed from above.
- 3. Maintain tension in your core for the given time and repeat the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Comment
- When doing a side plank, keep your body in a straight line to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Plank, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Plank Guide page of our blog!
How to Leg Raise
Leg Raise muscles worked: Core
Form
- 1. Slightly bend your knees and lift your legs so that they are vertical to the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- If your back hurts, you can place your hands under your hips to prevent your back from arching.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Plank or Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Leg Raise more often — 26,383 sessions against 897 for Side Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Plank and Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Plank loads abs and front delts, and Leg Raise loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Side Plank and Leg Raise need?
Side Plank needs bodyweight only, and Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Side Plank once your form holds up.
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