Standing Straight Hip Abduction

Intermediate
Alternating

Also known as: Standing Side Leg Raise

Expert Advice

The standing hip works too. Press that foot evenly into the floor rather than letting your supporting hip drift sideways.

How-to-do Steps

  1. Stand upright with feet hip-width apart and arms relaxed by your sides.
  2. Shift your weight onto your left foot, keeping that knee slightly bent.
  3. Lift your right leg sideways with its knee nearly straight, stopping before your torso tilts.
  4. Lower your right foot to the floor with control.
  5. Shift onto your right foot and repeat with your left leg, alternating sides each repetition.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging the raised legFix: slow down so your hip muscles control both directions.
  • Turning your toes outwardFix: keep your toes facing forward as your leg lifts.

Coach Cues

Stand tallLift straight sidewaysLower with control

Short reminders to keep in mind during every set.

Track Standing Straight Hip Abduction in FitAI

Log your sets, reps, and weights automatically. Get AI-powered progressive overload recommendations and form feedback — personalized to your training history.

Start Free

Muscles Worked

Standing Straight Hip Abduction primarily targets the Quads, Glutes, with Stretching mechanics using Body Weight. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.

Primary
Quads
Quads25%
Glutes
Glutes75%
Equipment
Body Weight
Body Weight
Exercise Type
Stretching
25%Quads75%Glutes

Why Level 3?

Intermediate

Unsupported single-leg balance while moving the opposite leg sets the difficulty.

Technique
Stability
Strength
Mobility
Impact
Learning

Sets & Reps Guidance

Beginner3 x 12-15
Intermediate3 x 15-20
Advanced4 x 15-20

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Standing Straight Hip Abduction work?
Standing Straight Hip Abduction primarily targets the Quads, Glutes. It is classified as a Stretching exercise performed with Body Weight.
How many sets and reps should I do for Standing Straight Hip Abduction?
For beginners, start with 3 sets of 12-15. Intermediate lifters can do 3 sets of 15-20. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 15-20. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Standing Straight Hip Abduction suitable for beginners?
Standing Straight Hip Abduction is rated as intermediate difficulty. Beginners may want to start with lighter loads or simpler variations and progress to this exercise as their strength and coordination improve.
What are the most common mistakes when doing Standing Straight Hip Abduction?
Swinging the raised leg: slow down so your hip muscles control both directions. Turning your toes outward: keep your toes facing forward as your leg lifts.