Butt Kicks
Primary
Cardio
Secondary
Hamstrings, Calves, Quadriceps
Equipment
None
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Squat
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Butt kicks activate your hamstrings through rapid heel-to-glute contact while jogging in place. This dynamic drill prepares the knee flexion pattern used during the swing phase of running. Athletes use butt kicks to increase hamstring blood flow and neuromuscular readiness before sprinting.
Focus on actively contracting your hamstrings to kick your heels up rather than just flicking your feet. Stay on the balls of your feet with an upright posture and pump your arms in a natural running motion.
Butt Kicks — targeted muscles
Why This Exercise Works
Butt kicks are a dynamic warm-up drill that activates your hamstrings through rapid knee flexion. By kicking your heels toward your glutes while jogging in place, you rehearse the hamstring contraction pattern used during the swing phase of running.
Your hamstrings have two main jobs during running: flexing your knee (bringing your heel toward your butt) and extending your hip (pushing your leg behind you). Butt kicks specifically train the knee flexion component, increasing hamstring recruitment before you run at faster speeds.
The drill also increases blood flow to your hamstrings and raises your heart rate gradually. This prepares the muscles for the high-speed contractions required during sprinting, where hamstring strains are common. Think of butt kicks as an insurance policy against pulls.
The movement requires minimal impact while providing significant muscle activation. This makes it safer than jumping drills while still effectively preparing your legs for activity. The quick cadence improves neuromuscular coordination and running mechanics.
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How do you perform the Butt Kicks?
- 1
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
- 2
Jog in place, kicking your heels up toward your glutes.
- 3
Try to make contact between heel and glutes.
- 4
Pump your arms in a running motion.
- 5
Maintain quick, light footwork.
What are the best tips for the Butt Kicks?
Focus on hamstring contraction, not just kicking.
Stay on the balls of your feet.
Keep upper body stable and upright.
Start slow and increase speed gradually.
When to Use the Butt Kicks
Use butt kicks in dynamic warm-ups before running, sprinting, or lower body power training. Program 2-3 sets of 30-45 seconds within your movement prep sequence. They pair well with high knees for complete running warm-up.
What are common Butt Kicks mistakes to avoid?
Heels not reaching glutes.
Leaning too far forward.
Landing heavily on feet.
Arms not moving with legs.
Butt Kicks — who it's best for
Runners needing hamstring activation before faster-paced workouts, athletes warming up for explosive activities, and anyone doing dynamic warm-ups before lower body training.
How many sets and reps of Butt Kicks should you do?
Recommendation: 3-4 sets of 30-45 seconds. Rest 15-30 seconds between sets.
Muscle Growth
30-45 seconds
Rest 90s-2min
Strength
20-30 seconds
Rest 2-3min
Endurance
60-90 seconds
Rest 60s
Where to Use in Your Workout
Use during the dynamic portion of your warm-up, after light walking or jogging but before sprinting or intense running.
Sample Workout Blocks
Warm-up progression: 30 sec walk | 30 sec jog | 30 sec butt kicks | 30 sec high knees | 30 sec A-skips | Begin workout
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Get Your Custom PlanWhat are good alternatives to the Butt Kicks?
High Knees
Jumping Jacks
Jump Rope
Other Variations
- Butt Kicks in Place
- Traveling Butt Kicks
- Slow Motion Butt Kicks
- Butt Kick Sprint
Frequently Asked Questions About the Butt Kicks
The Butt Kicks primarily targets the Hamstrings, making it an effective exercise for cardio development. Secondary muscles worked during the Butt Kicks include Calves, Hip Flexors, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Glutes.
Yes, the Butt Kicks is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. Runners needing hamstring activation before faster-paced workouts, athletes warming up for explosive activities, and anyone doing dynamic warm-ups before lower body training. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Butt Kicks, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3-4 sets of 30-45 seconds. Rest 15-30 seconds between sets. For strength, use 20-30 seconds. For muscle growth, perform 30-45 seconds. For endurance, complete 60-90 seconds.
Yes, the Butt Kicks can be done at home with no equipment. It requires minimal space and is a great option for home workouts targeting cardio.
Good alternatives to the Butt Kicks include: High Knees, Jumping Jacks, Jump Rope. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Butt Kicks and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.
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Safety Notes
- Warm up first with walking.
- Start at moderate pace.
- Stop if hamstring discomfort.