Standing Cable Hip Abduction

How to perform the Standing Cable Hip Abduction

1. Attach an ankle strap to a low pulley and fasten it to the outside ankle.
2. Stand side-on to the machine, holding the frame for balance with a tall posture.
3. Raise the working leg out to the side by abducting the hip against the cable.
4. Because this is small-range glute medius work, focus on a clean squeeze at the top of the lift.
5. Keep the torso upright rather than leaning to lift the leg higher.
6. Lower the leg back across the midline under control against the cable.

Suggested working range: 12–20 reps. Default progression: double progression.

Common mistakes

• •Leaning the torso away from the machine to swing the leg higher.
• •Using momentum to fling the leg out rather than a controlled abduction.
• •Rotating the hip so the leg drifts forward instead of straight out to the side.
• •Letting the cable snap the leg back across the body rather than resisting.

Variations & alternatives

Swap in a related movement if equipment, recovery, or progression demands it.