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Leg to Side

Exercise Profile

Body PartYoga
EquipmentBody weight
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
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Introduction to the Leg to Side

The Leg to Side exercise is a powerful lower body workout that primarily targets the glutes, hips, and thighs, helping to strengthen and tone these areas. It is suitable for individuals at all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, due to its adjustable intensity. People may want to incorporate this exercise into their routine to improve lower body strength, enhance flexibility, and promote better balance and stability.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Leg to Side

  • Shift your weight to your right foot and slowly lift your left leg to the side while keeping your body facing forward.
  • Hold the position for a few seconds, ensuring your leg is lifted as high as is comfortable without causing strain.
  • Slowly lower your left leg back to the starting position.
  • Repeat the same process on the right side, alternating legs for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips for Performing Leg to Side

  • Controlled Movement: Avoid rushing through the exercise. The key to getting the most out of this exercise is to perform it slowly and with control. This will help engage the correct muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Engage Your Core: Remember to engage your core throughout the exercise. This will help maintain stability and improve the effectiveness of the exercise. A common mistake is letting the stomach relax, which can lead to back strain.
  • Correct Foot Position: Your foot should be flexed during the exercise to engage the leg muscles properly. Pointing the toes can lead to cramping or straining of the calf muscles.
  • Don't Lift Too High: Avoid

Leg to Side FAQs

Can beginners do the Leg to Side?

Yes, beginners can do the Leg to Side exercise. However, it's important to start with a comfortable range of motion and gradually increase it as flexibility and strength improve. It's also crucial to maintain proper form to avoid injury. If any pain is experienced during the exercise, it should be stopped immediately. It may be beneficial to have a trainer or fitness professional guide a beginner through the exercise to ensure it's being done correctly.

What are common variations of the Leg to Side?

  • The Side-Lying Leg Lift involves lying on your side and lifting your top leg up and down, working the abductors and adductors.
  • The Standing Leg Lift to the Side is another variation where you stand straight and lift one leg out to the side, keeping it straight.
  • The Lateral Leg Swing involves standing straight and swinging one leg to the side and then across your body, providing a dynamic stretch.
  • The Curtsy Lunge with Side Kick is a more advanced variation, where you perform a curtsy lunge then kick out to the side with the same leg.

What are good complementing exercises for the Leg to Side?

  • Lunges: Lunges complement Leg to Side as they also focus on the lower body, specifically enhancing balance and coordination, while also working the same muscle groups - glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps.
  • Side Plank Hip Lifts: This exercise complements Leg to Side by working both the core and the abductor muscles on the side of the hip, promoting better stability and strength for lateral movements.

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