Hip abduction machine

Seated with pads against the outsides of the knees, the knees push apart against the machine: it works the gluteus medius about as well as the clamshell, and less than standing elastic work.

Hip abduction family

Hip abduction machine

Easier option

Seated with pads against the outsides of the knees, the knees push apart against the machine: it works the gluteus medius about as well as the clamshell, and less than standing elastic work.

DemandEasy

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusHip abductors · Glutes

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.

How to move

Sit with the back against the pad and the pads against the outsides of the knees.
Push the knees apart as far as they go and pause.
Bring them back together slowly.

Form cues

Keep the trunk still.
Control the return.

Practice and cautions

No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.

This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Hip abductors, Glutes.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Beginner. See the easier and harder options above.

Workouts that use it

Lower body gym workout · 50 min

Similar moves

Supine isometric hip abduction (belt press) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSupine isometric hip abduction (belt press)Beginner · A band

Standing wall-press hip abductionBeginner · A wall

Barbell hip thrust demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell hip thrustIntermediate · A barbell + A bench or box

3D demoClamshellBeginner · No equipment

Glute kickback (quadruped hip extension) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoGlute kickback (quadruped hip extension)Beginner · No equipment

Hip-hinge practice demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoHip-hinge practiceBeginner · No equipment

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Hip abduction machine work?

Mainly the hip abductors and glutes.

What equipment do I need for the Hip abduction machine?

Strength machine.

Is the Hip abduction machine good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. When it feels easy, try the Lateral band walk.

How do I make the Hip abduction machine harder?

Progress to the Lateral band walk, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.