This exercise is a wonderful exercise to build hip strength to help stabilize your hip and pelvis for walking but also to reduce shearing at your low back that can create back pain. Be particular with this exercise, it's easy to cheat. Start in a standing position, core engaged. The leg that you stand on will get a great stabilization workout if you keep your hip under you. Don't let it drop to the side. The leg that you are moving is going to move out to the side but slightly behind you (leading with your heel). Do not lean. Do not hike your hip. You don't have to raise your leg super high to get an effective glute medius workout. Slow and controlled. Add Ankle Weights or Exercise Bands for more of a challenge.