Side-Squat & Leg Lift
Strengthen glutes & legs with this dynamic move! Squat, then lift for a powerful, toning workout. Feel the burn!
The Side-Squat & Leg Lift is a compound exercise that mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and glutes & hips, with help from the quads and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Side-Squat & Leg Lift Muscles Worked
Primary
Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Obliques
Side-Squat & Leg Lift Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Side-Squat & Leg Lift
Stand with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward or slightly outwards.
Bring your hands together at chest level to help maintain balance. This will be your starting position.
Bend your knees and lower your hips as if you were going to sit in a chair, keeping your weight on your heels and your knees tracking over your toes. Ensure your back remains straight and your chest lifted.
Push through your heels to return to the starting position, but as you straighten your legs, shift your weight to one foot.
As you are nearing full extension, lift the opposite leg out to the side, keeping it straight, to perform the side leg lift. Engage your glutes and abductors while doing so.
Lower the lifted leg back to the ground, shifting your weight back to both feet, returning to the starting position.
Perform another squat, and on the next standing phase, lift the other leg sideways.
Continue alternating the leg lifts with each squat.
Maintain form throughout the exercise, and control the movements, especially the side lift, to ensure the muscles are engaged properly.
Repetitions and sets can vary depending on your fitness level and goals. It's generally recommended to start with lower reps and sets, focusing on form, and then gradually increasing the intensity as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
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Side-Squat & Leg Lift FAQs
What muscles does the Side-Squat & Leg Lift work?
The Side-Squat & Leg Lift mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and glutes & hips, with help from the quads and core. The main muscles are the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Side-Squat & Leg Lift?
None. The Side-Squat & Leg Lift is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Side-Squat & Leg Lift a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Side-Squat & Leg Lift go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Side-Squat & Leg Lift variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Side-Kick Heel-Tap Squat, Arm Leg Lift to Split-Squat, Bodyweight Squat to Front-Leg Raise and Elevated-Heel Squat.
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