What Does the Hip Abductor Machine Do

What is Hip Abduction?

Hip abduction is where the leg moves away from the mid-body, backward, forward or sideways. You do this movement when you take a side step or step out of a car. The muscles responsible are the hip abductors, a small muscle group located in the outer thighs and around the glutes. These muscles help spread your legs and push out your hips. Referred to as stabilizers, these muscles are often forgotten and that`s where the Hip Abductor Machine comes in.

Benefits of Hip Abduction Exercise

1.Reduces Knee Valgus or Leg Deformity

Knee valgus refers to when the knees cave inward, making an inward curve appearance for the entire leg, giving a [knock-kneed" appearance. This is most commonly seen in women of younger age as well as older adults. It can also be noticed in people having muscle imbalances or improper form during exercises.

2.Better Muscle Activation and Performance

The hip abductors are closely related to the core muscles and are extremely essential for balance and athletic activity. Due to long hours being spent sitting during the day, many people tend to develop weak gluteus muscles.

Being inactive for a long time can lead to the body [turning off" these muscles, making them even harder to use during exercise. This can lead to usage of other muscles by the body that are actually not meant for those tasks.

3.Decreases Pain

Weak hip abductors muscles, particularly the gluteus medius, may lead to overuse injuries, and patellofemoral pain syndrome .

Thus hip abductor strength is important when it comes to knee health and stability. In addition to exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, hip abductors, and hip rotators, are also equally important. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and stretching of the muscles surrounding the hip and knee can also help decrease the pain.