The kick out sit is a bodyweight exercise that targets the hamstrings while also engaging the quadriceps and glutes. It involves sitting on the edge of a bench or chair, extending the legs out, and then returning to the starting position.
Quick Facts
How to Do Kick Out Sit
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Kick Out Sit with proper form and technique.
- Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Lean back slightly and place your hands on the edge of the bench or chair for support.
- Engaging your hamstrings, lift your feet off the ground and extend your legs straight out in front of you.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly bend your knees and bring your feet back towards your body.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Kick Out Sit targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Kick Out Sit
Incorporating Kick Out Sit into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Hamstrings Development: Kick Out Sit directly targets and strengthens the Hamstrings, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Quadriceps and Glutes, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Kick Out Sit build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Beginner-Friendly: This exercise is accessible to those new to fitness, with a movement pattern that's relatively easy to learn with proper instruction.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Kick Out Sit safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Kick Out Sit, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Hamstrings and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Knee Safety: Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes throughout the movement. Don't let them cave inward.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Hamstrings typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Kick Out Sit, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.