Side Lunge vs Hip Abduction
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Side Lunge more often — 2,021 sessions vs 873. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Side Lunge and Hip Abduction and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Side Lunge vs Hip Abduction: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Lunge more often — 2,021 sessions compared to 873 for Hip Abduction.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side Lunge and Hip Abduction differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Side Lunge and Hip Abduction Differ
| What differs | Side Lunge | Hip Abduction |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, glutes, and outer thighs | glutes and outer thighs |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,021 sessions | 873 sessions |
How to Do Side Lunge
Side Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Move one foot to the side and shift your weight.
- 2. Bend the knee of the moved leg and keep the opposite leg straight.
- 3. Apply pressure to the center of the bent knee and slowly rise back to the starting position.
- 4. Repeat the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. Please make sure that your center of gravity does not shift too much to the side.
For a full Side Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side Lunge exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Side Lunge or Hip Abduction?
Planfit users log Side Lunge more often — 2,021 sessions against 873 for Hip Abduction. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Side Lunge and Hip Abduction work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Lunge loads quads, glutes, and outer thighs, and Hip Abduction loads glutes and outer thighs.
What equipment do Side Lunge and Hip Abduction need?
Side Lunge needs bodyweight only, and Hip Abduction needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Abduction is the easier place to start. Move to Side Lunge once your form holds up.
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