anatomy/adductors·Muscle
Adductors
Musculi adductores
The muscles on the inner thigh. They pull the legs together and help you stand up out of a squat.
// Structure & location
The group includes adductor magnus, longus and brevis, the pectineus and the gracilis. They arise from the pubic bone and ischium and insert in a staggered line on a bony ridge at the back of the thigh. The gracilis is the only one that reaches below the knee.
// Function
They bring the leg towards the midline (adduction) and stabilise the pelvis when walking. The adductor magnus also helps extend the hip, i.e. standing up from a deep squat, similar to the hamstrings.
// For training & sport
- Wide-stance squats and deep lunges challenge them heavily.
- The adductor machine isolates them.
- The Copenhagen plank is a side plank with the top leg on a bench and trains them very intensely.
// Good to know
Adductor strains are typical groin injuries in sports with quick changes of direction such as football or ice hockey.
// Sources
last reviewed: 2026-11-14