The gluteus medius is involved in hip abduction when you push the hips and body out to the side. The adductor longus, magnus, and brevis are also involved when pulling your legs together to assume the upright position. This however, is not a forceful action. The knee joint muscles and actions are the same as in the regular lunge. The main development occurs in the pushoff, with concentration on pushing the hips. This is especially true when the side lunge is done with Active Cords.
