How to Do the Butt Kicks

Butt kicks are a quick running-in-place drill where you flick your heels toward your glutes with each stride. They warm up your hamstrings and calves and raise your heart rate. They work well in warm-ups and short cardio rounds.

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Muscles worked

Primary

  • Hamstrings
  • Calves

Secondary

  • Glutes
  • Quads

How to do the Butt Kicks

  1. 1

    Stand tall and begin jogging in place.

  2. 2

    Kick one heel up toward your glutes.

  3. 3

    Quickly switch to the other leg.

  4. 4

    Pump your arms in a running motion.

  5. 5

    Keep your knees pointing down and your torso upright.

  6. 6

    Stay on the balls of your feet with quick, light steps.

  7. 7

    Continue for your set time.

Form cues to remember

  • Heels to glutes
  • Knees point down
  • Quick, light steps
  • Pump your arms

Common mistakes

Leaning forward

Stand tall and keep your torso upright.

Lifting your knees forward

Keep your thighs under you and flick only your lower legs.

Heavy landings

Stay on the balls of your feet and keep steps light.

Going too slowly

Increase your pace so the drill raises your heart rate.

Sets and reps

Mobility1–2 sets of 20–30 seconds as a warm-up
Conditioning4–6 rounds of 30 seconds, with 20–30 seconds rest

The drill is light but repetitive, so ease in if your hamstrings are tight. Stop if you feel pulling in the back of your thigh.

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Track your Butt Kicks and watch it go up

Superlift shows what you lifted last time, times your rest, and charts your strength week by week, so you always know what to beat. Every exercise in this library is built in, with the same demos and tutorials.

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Butt Kicks FAQ

What are butt kicks good for?

They warm up your hamstrings and calves and build running rhythm. They are a common drill before runs and sports.

Butt kicks vs high knees: what is the difference?

Butt kicks focus on your hamstrings by bringing your heels to your glutes, while high knees drive your knees up and work your hip flexors and quads.

How long should I do butt kicks?

Use 20–30 seconds for a warm-up, or up to 60 seconds in a cardio round.

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