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The good news is, targeting this small-but-mighty muscle group can help provide the balance you need.
Katie Thompson
Right this way for a stronger side butt!
What are your hip abductors?
Before we get intohowto work these butt muscles, lets get clear on what they really are.
This motion is known as abduction.
Any time you take a step or hop to the side, these muscles are at work.
Why is it important to strengthen your hip abductors?
As a result, its all too easy to develop weakness in our hip abductors, explains Williams.
Plus, sitting a lot prevents us from simply using the glutes more.
A better way to strengthen your abductors?
Focus on simple moves that involve bringing your legs out to the side and away from your body.
Examples include clamshells, fire hydrants, lateral lunges, curtsy lunges, and lateral leg lifts.
Now, you may notice a lot of common hip abductor moves use mini-bands or resistance bands.
you could add one or two moves into every session, advises Fagin.
The best hip abductor exercises
Banded Clamshell
This exercise especially targets your gluteus medius.
ensure your hips are stacked on top of each other when you perform reps. ## Banded Fire Hydrant
This is another exercise that hones in on the gluteus medius.
This will help you have good stability in the exercise and ensure you target the correct muscles.
Again, beginners can try this move first with just their bodyweight before progressing it with a band.
This will really fire up the abductors.
You could also use an ankle weight instead of the band.
A bent knee will help target your glutes.
