Fysiqal

Isolation · Beginner

Hip Abduction (machine)

Isolation isolation exercise using machine.
Hip Abduction (machine) demonstration (no audio).
Movement pattern
Isolation
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Machine
Mechanics
Isolation
Sides
Bilateral
Main plane
Frontal

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How to do the Hip Abduction (machine)

Cues reviewed by Kwabena Osei on

Setup

Seated in the machine with your thighs against the pads, legs together.

  1. Push your legs apart against the resistance, moving through hip abduction -- real range here is limited to about 45 degrees, so don't force past a comfortable stretch.

  2. Squeeze at the widest point, then return under control back to the start.

Common mistakes

  • Using a big, sudden push to bounce the weight stack instead of a smooth, controlled push through the full range.

  • Leaning the torso to one side to help move the weight instead of keeping it upright and letting the hips do the work.

Muscles worked

Primary

Secondary

How the knowledge graph models this movement

Each joint action, with the role and emphasis the graph assigns each muscle. These are qualitative anatomical labels, not measured muscle activation.

  • Hip abductionprimary action

    Gluteus medius (prime mover, high emphasis); Gluteus minimus (prime mover, high emphasis); Tensor fascia lata (synergist, moderate emphasis); Gluteus maximus (synergist, low emphasis); Piriformis (synergist, low emphasis)

  • Spine lateral flexionsecondary action

    Quadratus lumborum (stabilizer, low emphasis); Erector spinae (stabilizer, low emphasis)

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Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy or medical conditions.