Standing Hip Abduction

Standing tall, lift one straight leg out to the side; keep the torso from leaning away.

Standing Hip Abduction, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Standing tall, hand on a support, weight on one leg.

Steps

  1. Lift the straight leg out to the side.
  2. Keep the torso vertical – no lean.
  3. Lower with control; finish the leg, switch.

Common mistakes

Leaning away to lift higher: height from the HIP, not the tilt. Toe turning up: foot stays forward. Swinging: dead stop each rep.

Breathing

Exhale lifting, inhale lowering.