Appears in642 Workouts*

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.

Ms. Grey
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Forward-Backward Duck Walk Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Spinal Erectors (erector spinae)

How to do the Forward-Backward Duck Walk

Forward-Backward Duck Walk

  1. Equipment: No equipment needed. Just ensure you have enough space to move forward and backward.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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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