Clamshell
A side-lying hip opener that activates the small stabilising glute muscles.
- Muscle group: Glutes
- Equipment: Bodyweight
- Difficulty: Beginner
Also known as: Clam exercise, Side-lying clam, Muslingeøvelse, Muslingeskal
How to do it
- Lie on your side with knees bent, feet together and hips stacked.
- Keeping your feet touching, lift the top knee open without rolling the pelvis backward.
- Lower slowly and repeat, then switch sides.
Common mistakes
- Rolling the hips backward so the movement comes from the lower back.
- Lifting too high and losing the stacked hip position.
Alternatives
Watch a video demonstration on YouTube
“How to Do the Clamshell Exercise” by Hinge Health (opens YouTube)
Log this exercise in FitScore
See your previous sets while you train, get a suggested next load and personal records when you beat your best.
Free to start – no card needed.
General technique guidance, not individual advice. Stop if something hurts and talk to a professional about injuries.