Appears in642 Workouts*

Back-Kick Spin

Master the back-kick spin! Improve your balance, core strength, and kicking power with this dynamic martial arts exercise.

The Back-Kick Spin mainly works the glutes & hips and hamstrings, with help from the core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mr. Grey
JustGains_XY
@JustGains_XY

Back-Kick Spin Muscles Worked

Primary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Hamstrings

Secondary

Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

How to do the Back-Kick Spin

  1. Begin in a fighting stance with your hands up guarding your face. Your lead foot should be forward, knees slightly bent.

  2. Pivot on your front foot, turning your body away from your target. Rotate your head first to keep eyes on the target as you spin.

  3. As you spin, lift your back leg in a chambered position (bend your knee bringing your heel closer to your glutes).

  4. Continue to rotate until you're facing the target again. As soon as you spot the target, extend your lifted leg to perform the back kick, driving through the heel.

  5. Make sure to engage your core and maintain balance through the kick. The power of the kick comes from the hip extension and the rotation of the body.

  6. Retract your kicking leg quickly after the extension to regain your balance.

  7. Return to your fighting stance and prepare for the next repetition or to defend.

Important Tips: Ensure to warm-up properly before starting this exercise to avoid injury, as it involves a dynamic motion. Practice the movement slowly at first to get a feel for the motion and establish proper form before adding speed and power. Strike with the heel of the foot for maximum impact. Maintain a tight core throughout, as it helps with balance and power. Keep your guard up at all times to simulate a real fighting scenario. Avoid locking the supporting leg completely as it may lead to loss of balance or injury.

---

Back-Kick Spin FAQs

What muscles does the Back-Kick Spin work?

The Back-Kick Spin mainly works the glutes & hips and hamstrings, with help from the core. The main muscles are the gluteus maximus and hamstrings.

What equipment do you need for the Back-Kick Spin?

None. The Back-Kick Spin is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Back-Kick Spin variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Hook Kickboxing Kick, Hook Spin Kick, Stepback Forward-Kick and Back-Kick Heel-Tap.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.