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 differsSide PlankSide Leg Raise
Muscles workedabs and front deltsouter thighs and abs
Difficulty4 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users897 sessions244 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Side Plank or Side Leg Raise fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Side Plank

Side Plank gif

Side Plank muscles worked: Core

Form

  1. 1. Lie on your side and position your elbow under your shoulder.
  2. 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. 3. Maintain tension in your core for the given time and repeat the same on the opposite side.

Coach's Comment

  1. 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. 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!

Do you want to know more about Side Plank methods?Exercise Guide

How to Side Leg Raise

Side Leg Raise gif

Side Leg Raise muscles worked: Core

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lift your foot away from the floor.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 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!

Do you want to know more about Side Leg Raise methods?Exercise Guide

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.

Get free AI personalized workout plan

Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.

It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

Join 3.8M+ users who found their perfect workout plan

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image