Lateral leg raises, or hip abductions as they are also called, helps with shaping your ass, hips and thighs. They also prevents injuries in your hip and lower back. Leg raises is a good exercise you can do in the kitchen when waiting for something to finish. Lateral means a movement away from the plane of the body.
How:
Stand with your side to the kitchen counter and place your left hand on the edge for support. Shift your weight to your left leg and slowly lift your right leg as high as you can (often about 45 degrees) before lowering again. Don’t tilt your upper body to compensate for the lift. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions and then switch to the other side. Don’t let your foot touch the floor between reps.
Alternative 1 – Backwards leg lift
With the leg extended straight, lift it back about 90 degrees while bending forward, then lower it again. When your leg is at the highest it should be parallel to the ground. This is easiest done if facing the counter.
Alternative 2 – Forward leg lift
Lift your leg forward as high as you can and then lower it back down again. Keep you abs tensed during the movement and don’t arch your back. This version targets your abs and hip flexors.
