Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Side-Lying Leg Raise.
A floor-based Pilates-inspired exercise performed lying on your side, where you raise the top leg upward against gravity to target the outer thigh and glutes. The movement isolates the hip abductors and helps strengthen the lateral hip stabilisers.
The Side-Lying Leg Raise is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.
