What lower body exercise is beneficial for someone looking to strengthen their hips?

The choice of side leg raises as a beneficial exercise for strengthening the hips can be attributed to the specific muscle groups targeted during the movement. Side leg raises primarily engage the hip abductors, which include the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. Strengthening these muscles is crucial for stabilizing the pelvis during various activities and can contribute to better overall hip function, improved balance, and reduced risk of falls, particularly in seniors.

While leg presses can strengthen the lower body, they focus more on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, and do not specifically isolate the hip abductors. Glute bridges primarily target the glute muscles and the hamstrings rather than the lateral hip muscles. Hamstring curls emphasize the hamstrings and do not engage the hip abductors effectively. Hence, side leg raises are particularly advantageous for focusing on hip strength and stability, making them an ideal choice for someone looking to enhance their hip strength.