"Adduction" simply means moving a limb toward the midline of the body. But these muscles do so much more than just squeeze your legs together. They are the stabilizers, the power generators, and the protectors of your groin.
Diagram of the inner thigh with the muscles highlighted in red, or an animation of a standing cable hip adduction. adductor group muscles
"Groin strains" are almost always injuries to the Adductor Longus or Gracilis. Because these muscles handle massive loads during eccentric contraction (lengthening under tension), they are the first line of defense against slips and splits. "Adduction" simply means moving a limb toward the
The Adductor Group: More Than Just "The Groin" Diagram of the inner thigh with the muscles
By taking a wide stance with toes pointed out, you mechanically shift the load from the quads and glutes to the adductors.
If your inner thighs always feel tight, stretching might not be the answer. Often, tight adductors are a sign of . The brain tells the muscles to tighten up to protect the joint because they aren't strong enough to stabilize it.