Band Cross Abduction
Strengthen hips & glutes with Band Cross Abduction! Improve stability & tone your lower body. Simple, effective, and perfect for all fitness levels.
The Band Cross Abduction mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs), with help from the hip adductors (inner thighs) and core. You'll need: ankle cuff attachment or resistance bands.

Required Equipment


Band Cross Abduction Muscles Worked
Primary
Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Hip Stabilizer (gluteus minimus)
Secondary
Hip Adductors; Deep Core (transverse abdominis)
Band Cross Abduction Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Band Cross Abduction
Begin by securely attaching a resistance band to your ankles. For the "Band Cross Abduction," you will cross the bands in front of your body to create an "X" shape, which increases the level of resistance during the exercise.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Ensure that the band is tight enough to provide resistance even when your feet are close together.
Shift your weight onto your left foot while keeping your right foot lightly on the ground.
Slowly abduct your right leg (move it away from your midline), while keeping your knee straight and your toes pointing forward.
Continue lifting your leg until you reach a point where you can feel the resistance of the band challenging you, but make sure to maintain your balance and keep your hips level.
Pause briefly at the top of the motion, then slowly lower your leg back to the starting position, crossing in front of the left leg to return to the initial "X" shape.
Perform the desired number of repetitions, typically between 8-15 per leg, and then switch to the other side and repeat the same steps.
Complete 2-4 sets per leg with appropriate rest intervals between each set (typically 30-60 seconds).
Make sure to keep your core engaged and back straight throughout the exercise to provide stability and maximize the effectiveness of the workout. Always perform the exercise in a controlled manner to avoid injury and to ensure that the primary muscle groups are being effectively targeted.
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Band Cross Abduction FAQs
What muscles does the Band Cross Abduction work?
The Band Cross Abduction mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs), with help from the hip adductors (inner thighs) and core. The main muscles are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.
What equipment do you need for the Band Cross Abduction?
Ankle cuff attachment or resistance bands.
What workout day should the Band Cross Abduction go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Band Cross Abduction variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Loop-Band Standing Hip Abduction, Band Hip Adduction, Band Straight-Leg Hip Flexion and Band Seated Hip External Rotation.
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