Abductor exercises

Side-lying Leg Raise

Also known as: Élévations latérales de jambe allongé · Πλάγιες άρσεις ποδιού ξαπλωμένος · Lateral Leg Raises · side lying hip abduction · side leg lift

Primary
Abductors
Equipment
Bodyweight
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
45 s
 
One side at a time

How to do the Side-lying Leg Raise

  1. Lie on your side with legs straight and stacked, head resting on your arm.

  2. Raise your top leg with your toes pointing forward, without letting your pelvis roll back.

  3. Lift to just above hip height and pause briefly.

  4. Lower slowly, finish your reps, then switch sides.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–1545 s
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Abductors

Secondary

Glutes

The outer hip (glute medius and minimus) moves the leg out and keeps your knees and pelvis stable on one leg. Abductions and band walks build it.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Side-lying Leg Raise doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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More abductors

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Bodyweight abductor exercises