Forward-Backward Duck Walk
Quack your way to stronger legs & glutes! This fun, low-impact exercise will have you feeling the burn in no time.
The Forward-Backward Duck Walk is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the back and lower back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Forward-Backward Duck Walk Muscles Worked
Primary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Spinal Erectors (erector spinae)
Forward-Backward Duck Walk Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Forward-Backward Duck Walk
Forward-Backward Duck Walk
Equipment: No equipment needed. Just ensure you have enough space to move forward and backward.
Starting Position:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bend your knees slightly and lower your hips as if starting a squat, keeping your chest up and back straight.
Your arms can be held in front of you for balance or placed on your hips.
Movement:
Forward Movement:
Keep your knees bent and your hips low.
Step forward with your right foot, followed by your left foot, maintaining the squat position.
Move forward in this low stance, taking small, controlled steps.
Backward Movement:
Once you reach your desired distance, reverse the movement.
Step backward with your right foot, then your left foot, staying low.
Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to maintain balance.
Tips:
Maintain a steady pace; don’t rush the movements.
Keep your knees in line with your toes to prevent strain.
Aim to stay as low as possible without compromising form.
Repetitions:
Perform the forward and backward walk for about 10-15 steps in each direction, then rest. Repeat for 2-3 sets.
Forward-Backward Duck Walk FAQs
What muscles does the Forward-Backward Duck Walk work?
The Forward-Backward Duck Walk mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the back and lower back. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Forward-Backward Duck Walk?
None. The Forward-Backward Duck Walk is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Forward-Backward Duck Walk a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Forward-Backward Duck Walk go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Forward-Backward Duck Walk variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Backward Run, Duck Walk, Forward-Backward Shuffle and Forward-Backward Sideward.
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