Sit Up vs Side Leg Raise
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Sit Up more often — 3,693 sessions vs 244. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Sit Up and Side Leg Raise and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Sit Up vs Side Leg Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Sit Up more often — 3,693 sessions compared to 244 for Side Leg Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Sit Up 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 Sit Up and Side Leg Raise Differ
| What differs | Sit Up | Side Leg Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | outer thighs and abs |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,693 sessions | 244 sessions |
How to Do Sit Up
Sit Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Please lift your upper body so that you can sit up straight.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you have pain in your lower back, avoid sit-ups and substitute with crunches.
- 2. When lifting your upper body, be careful not to overextend your lower back or pull your neck too much.
For a full Sit Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Sit Up 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, Sit Up or Side Leg Raise?
Planfit users log Sit Up more often — 3,693 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 Sit Up and Side Leg Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Sit Up loads abs, and Side Leg Raise loads outer thighs and abs.
What equipment do Sit Up and Side Leg Raise need?
Sit Up 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 Sit Up once your form holds up.
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