How to Do Cable Machine Hip Abduction: Muscles Worked & Proper Form

Muscles Worked in Cable Machine Hip Abduction

Primary muscles worked:

• Abductors

Secondary muscles worked:

• Glutes

How to Do Cable Machine Hip Abduction

1. Attach an ankle strap to the low pulley in a cable machine.
2. Stand sideways to the cable machine and attach the farther leg to the cable.
3. Engage your core and glutes, and keep a slight bend in the “free” leg.
4. Lift the leg (attached to the cable) outward to the side against the resistance while keeping your upper body still.
5. With control, lower the leg back to the starting position.
6. Repeat for reps, then switch legs.

Commentary

This exercise strengthens the hip abductors, the muscles responsible for moving the leg outward. It can help improve hip and knee stability.

A cable machine provides a constant resistance throughout the movement, unlike resistance bands.