Resistance Band Lateral Walk

Beginner
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Looped resistance band side steps that target hip abductors and glutes to build stability and prevent lower body injuries; ideal for warmups, rehab, and athletic performance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abductors, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Quads, Hamstrings

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Rehab
Strength
Mobility

Training Style

Functional Training
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abductors

10/10

Glute Medius, TFL

Glutes

8/10

Glute Medius, Glute Max

Quads

4/10

Hamstrings

3/10

Abs

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Loop a resistance band just above your knees and stand with feet hip-width apart in a quarter squat, core engaged and back neutral.

  1. Shift weight to one side.
  2. Step laterally with the opposite foot, keeping tension in the band and knees over toes.
  3. Bring trailing foot in without letting feet touch closer than hip-width.
  4. Maintain squat depth throughout.
  5. Repeat for desired steps, then switch directions.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Stay low in squat
  • Push through heels
  • Keep knees tracking toes
  • Hips level no tilt

Breathing

Exhale as you step out against resistance; inhale as you bring the trailing foot in.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Step 12-18 inches laterally from quarter to half squat depth; keep hips level and knees bent 20-45 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute hip or knee pain
  • Ensure band is intact
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Consult professional for injuries

Spotting

No spotting needed; self-supported movement.

Common Mistakes

  • Knees caving inward
  • Standing too upright
  • Letting band slack
  • Bouncing or jerky steps

When to Avoid

  • Hip impingement
  • Knee valgus instability
  • Recent lower body surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip abduction range
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for squat stance

Build Up First

  • Basic athletic stance
  • Core engagement competency

Also known as

Lateral Band Walk, Miniband Walk, Banded Side Steps

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