Fire Hydrants

From a hands-and-knees position, lift the bent knee out to the side in a hip-abduction motion to work the glute muscles. Perform the movement with control to emphasize the gluteus medius and surrounding hip stabilizers.

How to do the Fire Hydrants#

  1. Start on all fours with your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees, keeping a neutral spine.
  2. Brace your core and keep your pelvis level throughout the movement.
  3. Bend the working knee and lift it outward to the side until your thigh is roughly parallel to the floor.
  4. Pause briefly at the top while squeezing the glute on the lifted side.
  5. Lower the knee slowly back to the starting position with control and repeat for the prescribed reps.

Muscles worked#

  • Primary: Abductors (Gluteus Medius & Minimus (Hip Abductors)), Glutes (Gluteus Maximus)
  • Secondary: Abs (Rectus Abdominis), Obliques (External & Internal Obliques)

Common mistakes#

Track the Fire Hydrants in Gript: your previous sets in view while you train, records detected automatically, and an estimated 1RM chart from every hard set.

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Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Fire Hydrants work?

The Fire Hydrants primarily works the abductors, glutes. The abs, obliques assist as secondary muscles — they stabilise the movement and take over when the main target fatigues. If you feel it mostly in the abs, obliques, lighten the load and slow the lowering phase.

What equipment do I need for the Fire Hydrants?

None. The Fire Hydrants is a bodyweight exercise, so all you need is enough space to move through the full range of motion.

Is the Fire Hydrants suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Fire Hydrants is rated beginner: the technique is quick to pick up and forgiving when a rep goes slightly off. Start light and add weight once the form repeats itself without you thinking about it.

What are good alternatives to the Fire Hydrants?

Clamshell, Dumbbell Curtsy Lunge, Hip Abduction Machine all train the same primary muscles as the Fire Hydrants. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.