Hip Abduction Machine vs Pistol Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hip Abduction Machine more often — 21,894 sessions vs 86. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hip Abduction Machine and Pistol Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Hip Abduction Machine vs Pistol Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hip Abduction Machine more often — 21,894 sessions compared to 86 for Pistol Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hip Abduction Machine and Pistol Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Hip Abduction Machine and Pistol Squat Differ
| What differs | Hip Abduction Machine | Pistol Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | glutes and outer thighs | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 21,894 sessions | 86 sessions |
How to Do Hip Abduction Machine
Hip Abduction Machine Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please push while tightening your outer glutes.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while resisting the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to overextend your legs.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your knees touch.
For a full Hip Abduction Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Abduction Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Pistol Squat
Pistol Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Lower your leg lifted off the ground until it is parallel to the floor.
- 2. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hip joints in sequence, and return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to excessively lean your upper body forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Pistol Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pistol Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hip Abduction Machine or Pistol Squat?
Planfit users log Hip Abduction Machine more often — 21,894 sessions against 86 for Pistol Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Hip Abduction Machine and Pistol Squat work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hip Abduction Machine loads glutes and outer thighs, and Pistol Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Hip Abduction Machine and Pistol Squat need?
Hip Abduction Machine needs a machine, and Pistol Squat needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Abduction Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pistol Squat once your form holds up.
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