Hip Abduction vs Side Kick Back
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Hip Abduction and Side Kick Back are close in use — 873 vs 822 sessions logged. What separates them is Leg loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Hip Abduction and Side Kick Back and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Hip Abduction vs Side Kick Back: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hip Abduction more often — 873 sessions compared to 822 for Side Kick Back.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hip Abduction and Side Kick Back 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 and Side Kick Back Differ
| What differs | Hip Abduction | Side Kick Back |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | glutes and outer thighs | outer thighs |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 873 sessions | 822 sessions |
How to Do Hip Abduction
Hip Abduction Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Straighten the knee of the leg above and lift it using the outer hip muscles.
- 2. Raise the leg so that it is at an angle of more than 60 degrees from the floor.
- 3. After finishing one side, proceed with the opposite leg in the same way.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to shake your body.
- 2. Keep your core engaged to avoid putting strain on your lower back.
For a full Hip Abduction guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Abduction exercise guide.
How to Do Side Kick Back
Side Kick Back Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise one leg while keeping the knee at a 90-degree angle, parallel to the ground.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
- 2. Be careful not to bend your elbows.
For a full Side Kick Back guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Kick Back exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Hip Abduction or Side Kick Back?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Hip Abduction and Side Kick Back work the same muscles?
Not quite. Hip Abduction loads glutes and outer thighs, and Side Kick Back loads outer thighs.
What equipment do Hip Abduction and Side Kick Back need?
Hip Abduction needs bodyweight only, and Side Kick Back needs bodyweight only.
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