Standing side leg raise

Hips & legs · Standing · about 55 seconds · Updated 21 October 2026

The standing side leg raise strengthens the muscles at the side of the hip, which long sitting weakens: holding the desk, lift one leg out to the side a little way and lower it slowly, keeping your body upright.

The Moveful figure doing the standing side leg raise — The standing side leg raise as the Moveful figure demonstrates it. The pink glow shows the area it works.

How to do the standing side leg raise

Stand tall facing the desk, holding its edge.
Lift one leg out to the side a little way, toes pointing forward, without leaning.
Lower it slowly. Do all the reps, then switch.

What it works

Side of the hip

How long and how often

In a movement break it's 6 slow reps on each side, about 55 seconds in total, and it can come up in the “Hips & low back” and “Full-body reset” classes. It's meant to be repeated through the day in short breaks rather than done once; doing it regularly matters more than the exact timing.

Tips

Stay upright
Toes forward
Small and controlled

Who should skip it

Poor balance or a fall risk: choose a seated move instead (Moveful does this for you when it's ticked in the health check)

Move gently, in a comfortable range. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or dizziness.

Try it with the guided 3D figure →