Exercise / 239Animation available
Clamshells demonstration

Illustration by RepDB

Strength / Bodyweight

Clamshells

A side-lying hip exercise opening the top knee against gravity to activate the gluteus medius.

Equipment

Bodyweight

Experience

intermediate

Movement

compound

Primary musclesSecondary muscles

Glutes

Instructions

  1. 01

    Lie on your side with knees bent and stacked on top of each other.

  2. 02

    Keep your feet together and hips stacked.

  3. 03

    Open your top knee toward the ceiling without rotating your hips.

  4. 04

    Squeeze your outer glute at the top.

  5. 05

    Lower under control. Complete reps on one side, then switch.

Choose a load and range you can control. These instructions are general guidance, not a substitute for individual coaching.