How do you do the Hip Abduction (Cable)?

Attach an ankle strap to the low pulley and strap it to the inner ankle of the leg farther from the machine. Stand sideways to the machine with your feet together, holding something steady for balance if needed. Keep a slight bend in your standing leg and engage your core and glutes. Sweep the strapped leg out to the side, keeping it straight and your upper body still. Lower the leg back with control, finish your reps, then switch legs.

What muscles does the Hip Abduction (Cable) work?

Mainly the abductors, with help from the glutes.

What are common Hip Abduction (Cable) mistakes?

Letting your upper body move as the leg lifts. Bending the working leg instead of keeping it straight.

Hip Abduction (Cable): how to do it, form cues and muscles worked

How to do it

Attach an ankle strap to the low pulley and strap it to the inner ankle of the leg farther from the machine.
Stand sideways to the machine with your feet together, holding something steady for balance if needed.
Keep a slight bend in your standing leg and engage your core and glutes.
Sweep the strapped leg out to the side, keeping it straight and your upper body still.
Lower the leg back with control, finish your reps, then switch legs.

Key cues

Strap on the inner ankle
Feet together to start
Leg straight as it goes out
Upper body still
Slow on the way back

Common mistakes

Letting your upper body move as the leg lifts
Bending the working leg instead of keeping it straight

Muscles worked

Primary: Abductors
Secondary: Glutes

Equipment

Cable machine and ankle strap.

References

StrengthLog: Cable Machine Hip Abduction
Fitbod: Cable Hip Abduction