Standing Side Leg Lift with Twist - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Standing Side Leg Lift with Twist

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Standing Side Leg Lift with Twist.

EasyObliquesOuter thighs

About this exercise

A standing bodyweight movement that combines a lateral leg raise with a trunk rotation, targeting the hip abductors and obliques simultaneously. The twist adds an anti-rotation challenge and improves overall coordination and mobility.

How to Perform

  • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and hands on your hips or extended in front
  • Shift your weight onto one foot, keeping that knee slightly soft
  • Lift the free leg out to the side while rotating your torso toward the raised leg
  • Hold the top position briefly, feeling the stretch through your hip and oblique
  • Lower the leg and untwist your torso back to the starting position
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching, or alternate sides each rep
  • Keep your hips level and avoid leaning the torso away from the lifting leg

Muscle Activation

Primary
ObliquesOuter thighs
Secondary
GlutesCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Standing Side Leg Lift with Twist

The Standing Side Leg Lift with Twist 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.