The hip abductor muscles include gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae.  They not only help move the leg away from the body but also are necessary for single leg stance.  If you limp when you walk it is often from weakness in the hip abductors and tenderness over the lateral hip (trochanteric bursitis) is also often caused from having weak hip abductors.  Below are some exercises that can help to strengthen these muscles.