Exercise guide

Cable Hip Abduction.

Equipment
Cable
Movement
Isolation
Level
Beginner

Muscles at work

Back
PrimaryAbductors
SecondaryGlutes

Make every rep count.

  1. 01

    Clip an ankle strap to a low pulley on the cable machine.

  2. 02

    Stand side-on to the stack and fasten the strap to the outside leg (the ankle farthest from the machine).

  3. 03

    Set your stance about shoulder-width, soften your knees, brace your core, and hold the machine/rail for light support (don’t lean).

  4. 04

    With your toes pointed mostly forward and the leg long/straight, sweep the strapped leg out to the side, leading with your heel. Keep your hips square—avoid twisting or hiking the hip.

  5. 05

    Squeeze your glute at the top for a brief pause.

  6. 06

    Slowly bring the leg back to the start with control, resisting the pull of the cable—don’t let the weight stack slam.

  7. 07

    Complete your reps, then switch sides.

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