Side leg raises involve abducting, or pushing away, the leg from your midline. It’s a great and simple way to build strength in the outer thighs and the hip abductors, which includes the gluteus medius and minimus. You can do it lying down or standing using just your body weight. This makes it easy to sneak in a few reps pretty much anywhere.
HOW TO DO
- Start with your hands out in front of you or resting on your hips. Stand upright with your toes facing forward.
- As you lift your right leg up off the floor with the foot flexed, inhale and shift the weight into your left foot
- As you lift your right leg up off the floor with the foot flexed, inhale and shift the weight into your left foot
- Repeat 10-12 times, then switch to the other side.
TARGET MUSCLES
ADVANTAGES
- Strengthen and Tone the Inner Thighs and Adductors One of the primary benefits of side leg raises is their ability to effectively target and strengthen the inner thigh muscles (adductors) and other supporting muscles in the lower body.
- Improve Hip Stability and Mobility Side leg raises require and promote hip stability and mobility, as they engage the muscles surrounding the hip joint during the lifting and lowering phases of the exercise.
- Support Proper Posture and Alignment Strong adductors and core muscles are essential for maintaining proper posture and alignment, both during exercise and in everyday life.
- Increase Muscle Endurance and Stamina Performing high repetitions of side leg raises can help to increase muscle endurance and stamina in the inner thighs and adductors.