Lateral leg raises, also called side leg lifts, are a simple yet effective exercise to target the outer thigh and hip muscles. To perform this exercise, lie on your side with your legs stacked, then lift your top leg as high as you can without tilting your body. Lateral leg raises help strengthen the hip abductors, especially the gluteus medius, and can improve hip stability and overall lower body strength, making them a valuable addition to any fitness routine.