FIXITFIXITOpen App

🦴 High Knees (Marching)

The High Knees (Marching) is a beginner hip exercise that targets the hip flexors, calves, and core. March in place with knees high. Activates hip flexors and elevates heart rate before running. It's used to build mobility and endurance and support general conditioning. Below is how to perform the High Knees (Marching) with correct form, plus the benefits, common mistakes, and how many reps to aim for.

HipBeginnerNone2 × 20

Benefits of the High Knees (Marching)

  • Strengthens and activates the hip flexors, calves, and core
  • Improves mobility
  • Improves endurance
  • Great for general conditioning and everyday strength
  • Can be done at home with no equipment
  • Performed standing, so it's easy to set up

How to do the High Knees (Marching)

  1. Stand tall with arms bent 90°
  2. Drive one knee up toward your chest
  3. As that foot returns to floor, drive other knee up
  4. Pump arms in opposition (right arm with left knee)
  5. Start as a march, build to a light jog if comfortable

How many reps & sets

A common starting point is 2 sets of 20 reps. Progress gradually and stop if you feel sharp pain.

Form tips

  • Land softly on the balls of your feet
  • Stay tall — don't lean back

Muscles worked

Hip flexors, Calves, Core

When to be cautious

  • Acute knee pain
  • Recent surgery without clearance

Who should do the High Knees (Marching)?

The High Knees (Marching) is well suited to beginner exercisers looking to strengthen the hip and improve mobility and endurance as part of general conditioning.

High Knees (Marching) — FAQ

What muscles does the High Knees (Marching) work?
The High Knees (Marching) primarily targets the hip flexors, calves, and core.
How many sets and reps of the High Knees (Marching) should I do?
A common starting point is 2 sets of 20 reps. Progress gradually and stop if you feel sharp pain.
Do I need equipment for the High Knees (Marching)?
No — the High Knees (Marching) needs no equipment and can be done at home.
When should I avoid the High Knees (Marching)?
Take care or skip it if you have: acute knee pain and recent surgery without clearance. When in doubt, check with your physiotherapist.
Track this exercise with AI form scoring

Get FIXIT free — follow guided demos, record your reps, and get instant AI feedback on your form.

Start free →

Related Hip exercises

ClamshellsBanded ClamshellsFire HydrantsGlute BridgeSingle Leg BridgeMonster Walks

We collect and process your data to provide health tracking and AI-powered exercise analysis. Your data is stored securely in Toronto, Canada.

Learn More