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Exercise Guide

How to do cable hip adduction

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

Cable hip adduction is a specialized isolation exercise designed to strengthen the inner thigh muscles, specifically the adductor group. By using a cable machine, you maintain constant tension throughout the movement as you pull your leg across the midline of your body. This is crucial for improving lateral stability, preventing injuries, and developing balanced leg strength and aesthetics for athletes and enthusiasts.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Glutes

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Attachment: Attach an ankle cuff to a low pulley cable machine.
  2. Position: Secure the cuff around the ankle of your inside leg (the leg closest to the machine). Stand sideways to the machine, holding onto it for support.

The Movement:

  1. Pull: Keeping your leg straight, use your inner thigh muscles to pull your leg across the front of your standing leg.
  2. Squeeze: Squeeze your adductors at the end of the range of motion.
  3. Return: Slowly and with control, allow your leg to return to the starting position.
  4. Repeat: Complete all reps on one side before switching the cuff to the other ankle and facing the opposite direction.

Tips:

  • Keep your torso upright and stable; avoid leaning to help move the weight.
  • The movement should be slow and controlled to isolate the inner thigh muscles.
  • Start with a light weight to master the form.

Common mistakes: Leaning the torso away from the machine, swinging the leg, and not controlling the return phase.

Alternatives

Hip Thrust Machine

machine hipthrust

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Bench

barbell hip thrust

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Bench

bench glute bridge

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Barbell

barbell clean deadlift

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Resistance Band

resistance band lateral walk

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Resistance Band

resistance band clam shell

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Bench

single leg hip thrust

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Barbell

barbell rack pull

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Cable

cable pull through

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Kettlebell

kettlebell swing

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Cable

cable hip adduction

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Seated Hip Adduction Machine

seated hip adduction

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Seated Hip Abduction Machine

seated hip abduction

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Back Extension Machine

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Bench

glute bridge on bench

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Bench

dumbbell bulgarian split squat

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Back Extension

back extension(hyperextension)

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Jump Box

box jump

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