Standing Side Leg Raise
Tone your outer thighs & glutes with Standing Side Leg Raises! Improve balance & stability with this simple, effective exercise.
The Standing Side Leg Raise mainly works the hip adductors (inner thighs) and glutes & hips, with help from the core. You'll need: chair.
Required Equipment
Standing Side Leg Raise Muscles Worked
Primary
Hip Adductors; Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Deep Core (transverse abdominis); Obliques
Standing Side Leg Raise Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Standing Side Leg Raise
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. You can hold onto a chair or wall for balance if needed.
Engage your core by tightening your abdominal muscles.
Slowly raise one leg to the side, keeping your toes pointing forward and your body straight.
Lift your leg as high as you can without compromising form or causing your body to lean excessively to the opposite side.
Hold the raised position for a second.
Slowly lower your leg back to the starting position.
Repeat the motion for the desired number of repetitions.
After completing the set on one leg, switch to the other leg and repeat.
Tips: Ensure your movements are controlled and that you are not using momentum to lift your leg. It is better to do the exercise with proper form and a lower height than to raise the leg higher with poor form. Breathing is important; exhale as you lift your leg and inhale as you lower it. If adding ankle weights for increased difficulty, make sure to secure them comfortably and start with a light weight to avoid strain.
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Standing Side Leg Raise FAQs
What muscles does the Standing Side Leg Raise work?
The Standing Side Leg Raise mainly works the hip adductors (inner thighs) and glutes & hips, with help from the core. The main muscles are the hip adductors and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Standing Side Leg Raise?
Chair.
What workout day should the Standing Side Leg Raise go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Standing Side Leg Raise variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Single-Leg Dynamic Stand, Side Leg Lift Good-Morning, Side Behind-Head Hand Leg Raise and Hip Abduction.
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