Hip Abductors

Strengthens: Hip abductors. These are an important muscle for protecting your knee especially during running!

1. Lie down in a left side-lying position. Make sure your hips are “stacked” (right hip directly over the left hip) and that your body is in a straight line.
2. Placing your top hand on the floor in front of you can help ensure that you are not leaning forwards.  You can rest your head in your other hand.
3. Your pelvis should be in a neutral position (not tilted forwards/backwards).  Flex your foot.
4. Take 1 second to lift the top leg up (breathing out), and then 2 seconds to slowly return it to start position (slowly breathing in).  Notice you are lowering your leg slower than you are raising it.

image from ibodz.com

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