Side Leg Kick
Strengthen your hips & glutes with Side Leg Kicks! A simple exercise for stability and toned legs. Get started now!
The Side Leg Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and glutes & hips, with help from the core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Optional Equipment

Side Leg Kick Muscles Worked
Primary
Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Obliques; Deep Core (transverse abdominis)
Side Leg Kick Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Side Leg Kick
Lie on your side with your body in a straight line, legs stacked on top of each other. Support your head with your lower arm, and stretch your upper arm out in front of you for balance.
Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, keeping your feet in line with your body.
Engage your core and keep your hips stacked to avoid rolling backward or forward.
While keeping your feet together, raise your upper knee as high as you can without shifting your hips or lifting your lower leg off the ground. This should resemble a clamshell opening.
Hold the top position for a brief moment, then slowly lower the knee back down to the starting position.
Complete the desired number of repetitions before switching sides and repeating the exercise with the other leg.
Remember to execute the movement with control, focusing on using the glute muscles to perform the kickout. Avoid rushing the repetitions to ensure proper muscle engagement and to protect against injury.
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Side Leg Kick FAQs
What muscles does the Side Leg Kick work?
The Side Leg Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and glutes & hips, with help from the core. The main muscles are the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Side Leg Kick?
None. The Side Leg Kick is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Side Leg Kick go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Side Leg Kick variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the 90-To-90 Kickout Leg Lift, Bear Sit Kickout, Back & Bent-Knee to Side-Kick and Side-Kick Bent-Leg.
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