Appears in642 Workouts*

Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick

Tone your hips and thighs with the Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick! A simple yet effective exercise you can do anywhere.

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

Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick demo video 2
Ms. Color
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat

Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick Muscles Worked

Primary

Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Glutes (gluteus maximus); Quads (quadriceps femoris); Hamstrings

Secondary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

How to do the Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick

  1. Starting Position:

    • Lie on your side on a comfortable surface, such as a mat or carpet.

    • Stack your legs on top of each other, keeping them straight and in line with your body.

    • Support your head with one arm, and rest your other arm in front of your body for stability.

  2. Body Alignment:

    • Ensure your body forms a straight line from your head to your feet.

    • Keep your hips stacked and avoid rotating your torso.

  3. Movement:

    • Inhale deeply as you prepare to move.

    • Exhale and lift your top leg upwards, keeping it straight. Aim to raise it to about hip height.

    • Hold the leg up for a moment, engaging your thigh muscles.

  4. Return:

    • Inhale as you slowly lower the leg back to the starting position without letting it touch the bottom leg.

    • Maintain control throughout the movement to maximize effectiveness.

  5. Repetition:

    • Perform 10 to 15 repetitions on one side.

    • Switch to the other side and repeat the exercise.

  6. Breathing:

    • Remember to breathe evenly throughout the exercise, inhaling during the lift and exhaling when lowering.

  7. Tips:

    • Keep your core engaged to help maintain stability and prevent rocking.

    • If you're new to this exercise, start with smaller movements and gradually increase the height as you become more comfortable.

Finish:

  • When done with both sides, rest for a few moments before repeating the entire set if desired.

Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick FAQs

What muscles does the Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick work?

The Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs), glutes & hips, quads and hamstrings, with help from the core and back. The main muscles are the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris and hamstrings.

What equipment do you need for the Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick?

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

What workout day should the Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick go on?

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

What are some Side-Lying Single-Leg Kick variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the 90-To-90 Kickout Leg Lift, Alternating Against-Wall Leg Sit Kick, Side-Kick Bent-Leg and Back-Side Kneeling Leg Lift.

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