Standing Side-Kick
Tone your legs and improve balance with the Standing Side-Kick! Strengthen your core and glutes with this effective exercise.
The Standing Side-Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and core, with help from the quads. You'll need: ankle weights.

Required Equipment

Standing Side-Kick Muscles Worked
Primary
Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Hip Flexor (iliopsoas)
Secondary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Obliques
Standing Side-Kick Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Side-Kick
Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on your hips or bring them together in front of your chest for balance.
Shift your weight onto your right leg, ensuring that you keep your right knee slightly bent to maintain stability.
Slowly lift your left leg off the ground, keeping it straight. Engage your core to help maintain balance.
Extend your left leg out to the side as high as you can without compromising your posture or balance. Keep your foot flexed and the toes pointing forward.
Pause at the top of the motion, holding the position briefly if you want to add an isometric challenge to the exercise.
Slowly lower your leg back down to the starting position with controlled movement.
Repeat the desired number of repetitions on the same leg before switching to the other leg.
To increase the difficulty, you can add ankle weights or increase the duration of each kick if holding it in the isometric position.
Remember to perform the movement with control, and avoid any jerky motions that can lead to injury. It's vital to maintain a straight posture without leaning to the side.
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Standing Side-Kick FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Side-Kick work?
The Standing Side-Kick mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and core, with help from the quads. The main muscles are the gluteus medius and iliopsoas.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Side-Kick?
Ankle weights.
What workout day should the Standing Side-Kick go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Standing Side-Kick variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Side-Kick Heel-Tap Squat, Side Back Shuffle Kickout, Side-Kick Bent-Leg and Side-Kick Between Leg Throw.
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