Movement overview

The Side Lying Hip Abduction is an isolation exercise targeting the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. It is performed by lying on one side and lifting the top leg away from the midline of the body, focusing on hip abduction.

Step-by-step cues

1. Lie on your side on a mat, keeping your body in a straight line from head to feet.
2. Rest your head on your lower arm and place your upper hand on your hip or in front of you for balance.
3. Stack your legs on top of each other with your knees straight.
4. Engage your core to stabilize your torso.
5. Slowly lift the top leg upwards, keeping it straight, until you feel tension in the outer hip.
6. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring not to rotate your hips forward or backward.
7. Lower the leg back to the starting position with control.
8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.

Technical tips

• Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to maintain stability.
• Avoid rotating your hips; keep them stacked directly over each other.
• Focus on a slow and controlled movement to maximize muscle engagement.
• Do not lift the leg too high; aim for a range that maintains tension in the glutes without compromising form.
• Breath steadily, exhaling as you lift and inhaling as you lower the leg.
• Use a resistance band around your thighs for added difficulty if needed.