Appears in642 Workouts*

Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick

Strengthen your hips and glutes with the Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick! Improve stability and prevent injury with this targeted exercise.

The Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs), with help from the glutes & hips and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mr. Grey
JustGains_XY
@JustGains_XY

Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat

Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick Muscles Worked

Primary

Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Hip Stabilizer (gluteus minimus)

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

How to do the Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick

  1. Begin by lying on your side on a comfortable but firm surface.

  2. Support your head with your lower hand or arm, and stabilize your body by resting your top hand in front of you.

  3. Stack your legs, bending both knees slightly, but keep your top leg's knee and thigh resting on the other.

  4. Engage your core and hip muscles as you prepare to initiate the movement.

  5. While keeping your feet together, lift the knee of your top leg, creating external rotation at the hip.

  6. Raise your knee as high as you can without shifting your hips or losing alignment.

  7. Hold the position briefly at the top for maximal contraction.

  8. Slowly lower your knee back to the starting position.

For best results, perform the exercise for a set number of repetitions before switching sides. Ensure that you perform the same number of repetitions for both the left and right sides to maintain balance in muscle development.

Remember to keep the movement controlled, focusing on using the muscles of the gluteal region rather than momentum to perform the kick. Proper form is crucial to gaining maximum benefit from this exercise and preventing injury.

---

Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick FAQs

What muscles does the Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick work?

The Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs), with help from the glutes & hips and core. The main muscles are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

What equipment do you need for the Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick?

None. The Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What workout day should the Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Side-Lying Knee Outward Kick variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the 90-To-90 Kickout Leg Lift, Back & Bent-Knee to Side-Kick, Side-Kick Bent-Leg and Back-Side Kneeling Leg Lift.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.