The final movement you should have in your workout is a hip abduction type of movement. This can be done in the frontal plane (anything that involves lateral movement) or the transverse plane (rotational movement, for example when your body is bent over — like when using the seated abduction machine), Bret explained. "The hip abduction movements work the gluteus medius the most, and also target more of the upper subdivision of the gluteus maximus."
These movements will help provide you with more stability when you're on one leg, like when you run, according to Bret. If you'd like, you can alternate these every time you work out.
- Place a resistance band just below your knees.
- Begin standing with feet directly underneath your hips, and squat about halfway down.
- Take a step sideways to the right as far as you can. To fully activate the muscle, be sure to step onto your heel, rather than your toes.
- Actively resist the pull of the exercise band as you bring your left leg slowly toward your right, returning to the starting position.
- Complete three sets of 20 to 30 reps.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios