ExercisesHigh knees

High knees

Run in place driving your knees to hip height, pumping your arms. Land on the balls of your feet with quick contacts.

PlyometricNo equipmentDifficulty 1 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the high knees, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Run in place driving your knees to hip height, pumping your arms. Land on the balls of your feet with quick contacts.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • hip flexorsprimary
  • calves

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

Get my sets and reps
JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2