If hip strength is a focus for you this year, there’s one move that can help you achieve it more effectively than other moves, according to Pilates instructor Nina Popp at Life Time. Popp says that the side-lying leg lift can strengthen your hips, thighs and abdominal muscles. “By practicing this move, you can see benefits in not only your Pilates practice, but in your standing posture as well,” she says. You may like “You’ll also notice better hip control while walking, and even when doing higher-intensity exercises such as running, cycling or swimming.” By strengthening the hip abductor muscles in your outer hips, the side-lying leg lift “promotes balance and teaches your legs how to work from the core,” says Popp. Try adding this move into your workouts or doing it on its own a couple of times a week to see results. How to do side-lying leg lift Popp emphasises the importance of setting yourself up in the right position to perform the move correctly. Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health …