Side Plank vs Side Leg Raise
Maximizing Your Core Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Side Plank more often — 897 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Core Workout: Explore the Benefits of Side Plank and Side Leg Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Side Plank vs Side Leg Raise : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Plank more often — 897 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Side Plank and Side 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 Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Side Plank | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and front delts | outer thighs and abs |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 897 sessions | 244 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
- 1. When doing a side plank, make sure your body forms a straight line from your head to your toes, so that your lower back does not sag and your hips do not drop.
- 2. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or in your lower back, try lowering the difficulty by placing your knees on the floor.
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 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 Comment
- If it's too difficult, try doing it lying on your side without lifting your body.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Leg Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Leg Raise Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Side Plank or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Side Plank more often — 897 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 Plank and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Plank loads abs and front delts, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Side Plank and Side Leg Raise need?
Side Plank needs bodyweight only, and Side Leg Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Leg Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Side Plank once your form holds up.
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