Back to library
Exercise Library
Cable Standing Hip Abduction
A standing single-leg cable exercise that sweeps the leg away from the midline to isolate the glute medius and outer hip.
LegsCableHip abduction
GoLightWeight mediacable-standing-hip-abduction
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Glutes
Secondary
Tensor fasciae lataeCore
Equipment
Cable
Pattern
Hip abduction
Setup
- 01Attach an ankle cuff to a low pulley and strap it to the outside ankle.
- 02Stand side-on to the machine with the working leg farthest from the stack.
- 03Hold the frame with the inside hand and stand tall on the support leg.
Execution
- 01Sweep the working leg straight out to the side, leading with the heel.
- 02Lift only as high as the hips can stay level, usually 30 to 45 degrees.
- 03Pause briefly at the top of the sweep.
- 04Lower under control back across the midline and repeat, then switch legs.
Checkpoints
- -Hips stay square and level — no hiking the working hip.
- -Torso stays upright, not leaning away to fake range.
- -Toes of the working foot point forward, not up toward the ceiling.
Common mistakes
- -Leaning the torso toward the machine to lift the leg higher.
- -Swinging the leg with momentum instead of a controlled sweep.
- -Externally rotating the leg so the hip flexors take over.
- -Loading too heavy for a strict, level-hip movement.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 4 sets of 12 to 20 reps per leg with light weight.
- -Excellent as a glute medius warm-up before squats or as an isolation finisher.
- -Progress with slow pauses at the top rather than big weight jumps.
Related exercises
Almost there
Coming soon to iOS & Android
GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.
Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play