Lateral Band Walks

Also known as: Resistance Band Lateral Walk

Perform repeated side-to-side steps against a looped resistance band to load the glute muscles and work the hips. Keep movements controlled to maintain constant band tension.

How to do the Lateral Band Walks#

  1. Loop a resistance band around your legs and stand with feet about hip-width apart to create baseline tension.
  2. Bend your knees slightly, brace your core, and keep your torso upright.
  3. Step laterally with one foot while keeping the band under constant tension, then bring the other foot back to hip-width.
  4. Take small, controlled steps for the prescribed reps in one direction, then repeat back the other way.
  5. Keep your hips square and avoid twisting your torso as you move.

Muscles worked#

  • Primary: Abductors (Gluteus Medius & Minimus (Hip Abductors)), Glutes (Gluteus Maximus)
  • Secondary: Quads (Quadriceps Femoris), Abs (Rectus Abdominis)

Common mistakes#

Track the Lateral Band Walks 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 Lateral Band Walks work?

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

What equipment do I need for the Lateral Band Walks?

The Lateral Band Walks needs the following: Resistance band. Nothing beyond that is required to run the movement as described above.

Is the Lateral Band Walks suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Lateral Band Walks 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 Lateral Band Walks?

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