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Side Lying Hip Adduction (Male)
A side-lying bottom-leg raise that isolates the adductors, strengthening the inner thigh through a range most compound lifts never load.
LegsBodyweightHip adduction
GoLightWeight mediaside-lying-hip-adduction-male
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Adductors
Secondary
GracilisPectineusCore
Equipment
Bodyweight
Pattern
Hip adduction
Setup
- 01Lie on one side with the bottom arm supporting the head.
- 02Keep the bottom leg straight in line with the torso.
- 03Bend the top leg and place its foot flat on the floor in front of the bottom thigh.
- 04Stack the hips vertically and brace lightly.
Execution
- 01Raise the straight bottom leg off the floor using the inner thigh.
- 02Lift as high as adduction range allows, usually 15 to 30 centimeters.
- 03Pause briefly at the top.
- 04Lower slowly, hovering just above the floor between reps.
Checkpoints
- -The bottom leg stays straight with the ankle in line with the hip.
- -Hips stay stacked; the torso does not roll backward.
- -Effort is felt along the inner thigh of the working leg.
- -The leg hovers between reps rather than resting.
Common mistakes
- -Bending the bottom knee to make the lift easier.
- -Rolling the top hip backward to cheat range.
- -Lifting with momentum instead of a controlled squeeze.
- -Letting the foot turn up instead of keeping it neutral.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 20 reps per side as accessory or prehab work.
- -Add an ankle weight or slow the eccentric to 3 seconds to progress.
- -A gentle entry point before loaded adduction like the machine or Copenhagen work.
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