Side Plank vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Side Plank and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Side Plank vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
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.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Plank and Side Leg Raise differ in the muscles they work, 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 Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Side Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Plank exercise guide.
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.
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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