What is exercise #1 in Hip Stability Drills?

• A. Medial Leg Raise
• B. Bent Leg Lateral Leg Raise
• C. Lateral Leg Raise
• D. Single Leg Tuck

Answer: (C)

Hip stability starts by training the hip abductors to keep the pelvis level during leg movement, without letting the torso or pelvis wobble. The side-lying Lateral Leg Raise is the best starting drill because it isolates the hip abductor muscles, especially the gluteus medius, in a position where the pelvis can stay relatively still. Lying on the side minimizes trunk movement, so you can focus on lifting the top leg straight up with control and a stable hip, cueing you to avoid letting the hip roll forward or backward and to keep the leg in line with the body.

This approach builds a solid foundation of pelvic control before adding more demand. The Medial Leg Raise shifts emphasis toward the inner thigh and adductors, not the intended starting focus for hip stability. The Bent Leg Lateral Leg Raise changes the lever arm and knee position, altering muscle emphasis and making the movement less ideal as the first drill. The Single Leg Tuck combines hip flexion, core work, and dynamic stability, which is more demanding and better suited as a later progression after basic hip abductor control is established.