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Side Plank Leg raise

Exercise Profile

Body PartHips
EquipmentBody weight
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
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Introduction to the Side Plank Leg raise

The Side Plank Leg Raise is a challenging exercise that enhances core strength, stability, and balance while also targeting the glutes and hip abductors. It's ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to improve their functional fitness and body control. Individuals may want to incorporate this exercise into their routine to enhance their athletic performance, improve posture, or sculpt their abs and lower body muscles.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Side Plank Leg raise

  • Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, engage your core, and raise your hips off the ground, balancing on the side of your bottom foot and your forearm.
  • With control, raise your top leg as high as you can without compromising your balance or the alignment of your body.
  • Lower your top leg back down slowly and with control, keeping your hips raised and your body in a straight line.
  • Repeat these steps for your desired amount of repetitions, then switch sides and repeat with the other leg.

Tips for Performing Side Plank Leg raise

  • Maintain Stability: When you’re lifting your leg, avoid rocking back and forth. The goal is to keep your body as still as possible to engage your core and glutes. A common mistake is to let the hips sag or rotate; keep them lifted and square to the front.
  • Controlled Movement: Raise your top leg slowly and in a controlled manner as high as you can without compromising your form, then lower it back down. Avoid the mistake of rushing the movement or using momentum to lift your leg, as it can lead to injury and reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.
  • Proper Breathing: Remember to breathe during the exercise. Inhale as you lift your leg and exh

Side Plank Leg raise FAQs

Can beginners do the Side Plank Leg raise?

Yes, beginners can do the Side Plank Leg Raise exercise, but it may be challenging as it requires good balance and core strength. It's recommended to start with a basic side plank first and gradually add in the leg raise as strength and balance improve. Modifications can also be made, such as resting the bottom knee on the ground. As with any exercise, it's important to maintain proper form to avoid injury. If any discomfort or pain is experienced, it's best to stop the exercise and consult with a fitness professional or physiotherapist.

What are common variations of the Side Plank Leg raise?

  • Side Plank with Straight Leg Raise: This version requires you to keep your top leg straight while lifting it as high as you can.
  • Side Plank with Resistance Band Leg Raise: In this variation, a resistance band is added around the ankles, increasing the difficulty as you raise your top leg.
  • Side Plank with Hip Abduction: This version involves lifting the top leg while also moving it away from the body to work the outer thigh and hip muscles.
  • Side Plank with Leg Raise and Pulse: This variation adds a pulsing movement at the top of the leg raise to further challenge your balance and stability.

What are good complementing exercises for the Side Plank Leg raise?

  • "Mountain Climbers" are a great complementary exercise as they work the entire core and lower body, similar to the Side Plank Leg Raise, thus enhancing overall strength and endurance.
  • The "Bird Dog" exercise complements the Side Plank Leg Raise because it promotes core stability and balance, similar to the Side Plank Leg Raise, and also works the glutes and hamstrings which can help in the leg raising portion of the Side Plank exercise.

Related keywords for Side Plank Leg raise

  • Side Plank Leg Lift Exercise
  • Bodyweight Hip Workout
  • Side Plank with Leg Raise
  • Hip Strengthening Exercises
  • Bodyweight Side Plank Variations
  • Leg Lift in Side Plank Position
  • Bodyweight Exercise for Hips
  • Side Plank Hip Abductor Exercise
  • Hip Toning Bodyweight Exercises
  • Side Plank Leg Raise for Hip Muscles