Adductors
Inner thigh work from adduction, wide squats and lateral lunges.
Exercises that train the Adductors
- Band Hip AdductionPrimary · Resistance band
- Bouncing Inner Thigh TapPrimary · Bodyweight
- Multi Hip AdductionPrimary · Machine
- Resistance Band Shoulder AdductionPrimary · Resistance band
- Seated Machine Hip AdductorPrimary · Machine
- 4 Corners CurtsySecondary · Bodyweight
- 4 Reverse Lunge and 4 Side TapsSecondary · Bodyweight
- Assisted Bulgarian Split SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Band Single Leg Split SquatSecondary · Resistance band
- Band Spanish Split SquatSecondary · Resistance band
- Band Spanish Split Squat FemaleSecondary · Resistance band
- Barbell Bench Lateral Step-UpSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Bulgarian Split SquatSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat Left Front-Back ViewSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat Left Side ViewSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Clean and Jerk Split SquatSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Curtsy LungesSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Front Chest LungesSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Front Lunges with Small PauseSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Front Rack LungeSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Jefferson Split SquatSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Lateral LungesSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell LungesSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Lunges on the SpotSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Overhead LungesSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Pause LungeSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Rear Lunge on BoxSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Rear LungesSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Side Split SquatSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Side Step UpSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Single Leg Split SquatSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Split SquatSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Step Up Balance on BoxSecondary · Barbell
- Barbell Step Up on BenchSecondary · Barbell
- Bench Alternating Step UpsSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bench Bulgarian Split Squats LeftSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bench Bulgarian Split Squats RightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Forward LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Pulse Forward LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Rear LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bodyweight Step-Up on Step BoxSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bulgarian Split SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bulgarian Split Squat Bodyweight LeftSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bulgarian Split Squat Bodyweight RightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bulgarian Split Squat Cable Resistance BandSecondary · Cable
- Bulgarian Split Squat Left Bodyweight Side ViewSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bulgarian Split Squat Right Bodyweight Side ViewSecondary · Bodyweight
- Cable Split SquatSecondary · Cable
- Cardio LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chair Back Lunge Left Resistance BandSecondary · Resistance band
- Chair Back Lunge Right Resistance BandSecondary · Resistance band
- Chair Bulgarian Split Squats Bodyweight LeftSecondary · Bodyweight
- Chair Bulgarian Split Squats Bodyweight RightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Clap Curtsy SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Cossack SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Counterbalanced Skater SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Curtsy Lunge BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Curtsy Lunge Slide with TowelSecondary · Bodyweight
- Curtsy Lunges Resistance BandSecondary · Resistance band
- Curtsy SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Diagonal LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Dumbbell Bulgarian Box Split SquatSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Bulgarian Split SquatSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Cossack Squats (Version 2)Secondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Curtsy LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Front Rack LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Goblet Curtsy LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Goblet Forward LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Goblet Reverse LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Goblet Split SquatSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Goblet Split Squat Front Foot ElevantedSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Lunge Alternating on the SpotSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Lunge PulseSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Overhead LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Rear LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Rear Lunge from StepSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Reverse Lunge on the SpotSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Reverse Lunges PulsesSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side Lunge AlternatingSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side Lunge Left N RightSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Side Lunge Single LegSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Single Leg Split SquatSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Single Leg Step-UpSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Split SquatSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Static LungeSecondary · Dumbbell
- Dumbbell Step Up on BenchSecondary · Dumbbell
- Jumping LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat RightSecondary · Kettlebell
- Kettlebell Bulgarian Split Squat Right Side ViewSecondary · Kettlebell
- Kettlebell Lateral LungeSecondary · Kettlebell
- Kettlebell Split SquatSecondary · Kettlebell
- Kettlebell Step-UpSecondary · Kettlebell
- Lunge Front KickSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lunge Pulses BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lunge Reverse with Resistance BandSecondary · Resistance band
- Lunge Rotation Left and Right BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lunge to Knee Drive Left BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lunge to Knee Drive Right BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lunges Alternate Leg with Pause BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Lunges Same Leg Side View BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Reverse Lunge Left Resistance BandSecondary · Resistance band
- Side Lunges BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Smith Machine Bulgarian Split SquatSecondary · Machine
- Step Up on Chair BodyweightSecondary · Bodyweight
- Suspension Trainer with Grips Split SquatSecondary · Bodyweight
- Adductor Dynamic StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Adductor StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Adductor Stretch Side StandingPrimary · Bodyweight
- Butterfly Yoga FlapsPrimary · Bodyweight
- Butterfly Yoga PosePrimary · Bodyweight
- Half LotusPrimary · Bodyweight
- Standing Adductor StretchPrimary · Bodyweight
- Alternate Sprinter LungeSecondary · Bodyweight
- Bulgarian Split Squat StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Plyo Side Lunge StretchSecondary · Bodyweight
- Ski Ergometer Cross Country Ski Reverse Lunge PullSecondary · Machine
How to train it
Train the Adductors with 2–4 of the movements above. Cover different angles, use 2–4 sets each in a 6–15 rep range, and progress the load over time. Pair primary lifts with assisting movements for complete development.
Open the muscle planner →Adductors FAQ
What are the best exercises for the Adductors?
Band Hip Adduction, Bouncing Inner Thigh Tap, Multi Hip Adduction and Resistance Band Shoulder Adduction are among the most effective adductors exercises. Pair a heavy compound movement with one or two assistance exercises to train the adductors through its full range.
How often should you train the Adductors?
Training the adductors two to three times per week, with roughly 10–20 hard sets in total, works well for most lifters. Leave about 48 hours between demanding adductors sessions so the muscle can recover and grow.
Related muscles
Glutes
Hip extension and abduction from thrusts, bridges and squats.
Quads
Knee extension and squat-dominant leg work.
Hamstrings
Hip hinges and knee-flexion patterns for the back of the thigh.
Abductors
Outer hip — abduction work for hip stability and a balanced lower body.
Calves
Ankle extension and lower-leg stability.
Tibialis
Front shin — dorsiflexion work for knee health and balanced lower legs.