Hip abductor machine
Knees on pads, neutral spine, drive legs apart against resistance.
family=hip abductorpattern=hip extensionforce=pushmechanic=compoundequipment=machine
Muscles
- Primary
- glutes
- Supporting
- hip abductors
Mechanics
- Pattern
- hip extension
- Equipment
- machine
- Geometry
- Variable Range
- Target feel
- Outer glutes and hips contract as legs open; control the close.
- Progression
- Add load after achieving a controlled full range.
- Regression
- Use a resistance band lying on your side for lighter load.
Watch for
- Leaning forward to cheat
- Slamming the pads closed
Equipment context
The machine fixes the movement path, reducing stabilizer demand and letting you focus on the target muscle.
Substitutions
- Clamshell (band)
- Cable hip abduction
- Side-lying band abduction
Related exercises
Progression ladder
- Beginner / regression: Use a resistance band lying on your side for lighter load.
- Standard: Hip abductor machine
- Advanced / progression: Add load after achieving a controlled full range.
Atlas metrics
- Movement pattern
- hip extension
- Primary target
- glutes
- Supporting muscles
- hip abductors
- Equipment
- machine
- Joint geometry
- Variable Range
- Alternatives
- 3 substitutions
Evidence & limits
Last reviewed against peer-reviewed biomechanics references. Exercise descriptions are framed as training guidance, not medical advice.
Source: ExRx.net Exercise & Muscle Directory
Eccentryx is fitness software. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, injury, or medical condition. Consult a licensed physician before beginning any exercise program.
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FAQ
- How do I set up Hip abductor machine?
- Knees on pads, neutral spine, drive legs apart against resistance.
- What should I feel during Hip abductor machine?
- Outer glutes and hips contract as legs open; control the close.
- What are common mistakes with Hip abductor machine?
- Leaning forward to cheat; Slamming the pads closed
- How do I progress Hip abductor machine?
- Add load after achieving a controlled full range.
- What can I do instead of Hip abductor machine?
- Clamshell (band), Cable hip abduction, Side-lying band abduction

Hip abductor machine: hinge pattern, 2000 ms rep trace, engine-derived.
