Reformer Pilates
Illustration of Side Kick Inner Thigh Lift on the Pilates reformer

Exercise

Side Kick Inner Thigh Lift

Beginner

Side-lying inner-thigh lift that targets adductors and pelvic stability.

Setup instructions

Lie on your side with hips stacked and bottom leg angled slightly forward. Flex the top foot and rest the top leg on the bottom leg or mat. Lift the waist and keep the trunk long.

Breathing cues

Exhale to lift. Inhale to lower.

Movement steps

  1. 1Exhale to lift the bottom leg toward the top leg using the inner thigh.
  2. 2Inhale to lower with control.
  3. 3Keep the pelvis steady and avoid rocking.
  4. 4Repeat and switch sides.

Common mistakes

Rolling backward to lift; bending the knee excessively; losing waist lift; holding the breath.

Safety notes

Use a small range if groin strain appears. Keep the movement slow and controlled.

Connections

Muscles worked

Equipment needed

FAQs

  • Is Side Kick Inner Thigh Lift beginner-friendly?

    Yes. It is a simple lift pattern with a stable side-lying base.

  • What muscles does Side Kick Inner Thigh Lift work?

    Adductors and inner thigh muscles lift the bottom leg; core stabilisers support the pelvis.

  • What is Side Kick Inner Thigh Lift good for?

    It balances the side-kick series by strengthening inner-thigh control.

  • Which leg lifts?

    In the classical setup, the bottom leg lifts toward the top leg.