Thigh Abductor
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
hip abduction machine Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A machine-based hip abductor exercise that isolates the outer thighs and glutes for strength development.
Instructions
- Sit on the abductor machine with your back firmly against the backrest.
- Select a weight you can control with proper form.
- Place your inner thighs on the leg pads and grip the handles at your sides.
- Keep your upper body stationary with your posture upright.
- Press the leg pads outward, moving your legs away from each other against the resistance.
- Pause briefly at the widest point of the movement.
- Return to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Tips
- Maintain an upright posture throughout the entire movement.
- Move slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle engagement.
- Keep your upper body stationary; do not lean or twist.
- Start with a moderate weight to ensure proper form.
- This exercise is excellent for strengthening the hip abductors and glutes.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps | 17 kg | 15 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps | 15 kg | 14 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps | 11 kg | 10 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Hip Abduction (Sled)
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Outer Thigh Lift
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Seated Hip Abduction
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Seated Hip Abduction (Band)
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Side Lying Hip Abduction (Band)
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Standing Hip Abduction (Band)
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Supine Hip Abduction (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
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