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Exercise guide

Side Leg Raises

How to do the Side Leg Raises with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

Body OnlyBeginnerPull
Primary muscles

Adductors

Secondary

,

Equipment

Body Only

Step by step

How to do the Side Leg Raises

  1. 1

    Stand next to a chair, which you may hold onto as a support. Stand on one leg. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Keeping your leg straight, raise it as far out to the side as possible, and swing it back down, allowing it to cross the opposite leg.

  3. 3

    Repeat this swinging motion 5-10 times, increasing the range of motion as you do so.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Side Leg Raises set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your adductors volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Side Leg Raises fits

The Side Leg Raises shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More adductors exercises

FAQ

Side Leg Raises: common questions

What muscles does the Side Leg Raises work?

The Side Leg Raises primarily works the Adductors.

Is the Side Leg Raises suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Side Leg Raises is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Side Leg Raises?

None. The Side Leg Raises is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.

How do I do the Side Leg Raises with correct form?

Stand next to a chair, which you may hold onto as a support. Stand on one leg. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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