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What are High Knees?

D. Messmer
D. Messmer

High knees are an exercise that requires an athlete to perform a typical running motion while lifting the knees high into the air. This exaggerated knee motion provides an excellent workout for the legs and hips and can improve lower-body flexibility. It is possible to perform high knees while running or walking or even while running in place.

To perform the high knees exercise, the athlete should start in a standing position on the balls of his or her feet. Starting with either leg, the athlete raises the leg until the knee is at at least a 90 degree angle. Another way to ensure that the knee is high enough is to make sure that the foot of the raised leg is higher than the knee of the stationary leg. The athlete then lowers that leg to the ground and the repeats the process with the other leg.

Athletes can perform "high knees" exercises even while running.
Athletes can perform "high knees" exercises even while running.

The key to getting the greatest benefit out of the high knees exercise is to maintain proper form. It is crucial that the athlete remains on the balls of the feet, especially when the foot returns to the ground. Coming down on the heel puts unhealthy strain on the foot and leg. Also, it is important to ensure that the athlete keeps the shin and calf muscles engaged at all times. Doing so will keep the toes pointed forward; if they point down at any time, the athlete is not maintaining correct form.

Using a mat when jogging in place can ease impact stress on the joints.
Using a mat when jogging in place can ease impact stress on the joints.

There are several variations of high knee exercises. Athletes can perform them while running, jogging or running in place. It also is possible to perform high knees while using a jump rope to increase the cardiovascular benefit of the exercise. An athlete also can vary the speed of the exercise, although he or she should not perform the exercise at full-sprint speed, because it can be difficult to maintain proper balance.

High knees drills can help increase speed for track and field athletes.
High knees drills can help increase speed for track and field athletes.

There are several benefits to performing the high knee drill. The exercise both strengthens and improves the flexibility of the hip flexors. It also strengthens the psoas, adductor and abductor muscles in the legs, all of which increase the overall stability of the legs. High knees also strengthen the shin, calf and foot muscles and increase the flexibility of the hamstring.

High knees can help increase flexibility of the hamstrings and help to prevent muscle cramps and injuries.
High knees can help increase flexibility of the hamstrings and help to prevent muscle cramps and injuries.

High knee drills benefit the strength and flexibility of the legs and hips, so they are beneficial to any athlete who participates in sports that require running. These exercises are particularly beneficial to track and field athletes as well as basketball players and football players. When an athlete performs them quickly, these drills provide a good cardiovascular workout, so they also can be beneficial to endurance athletes.

Discussion Comments

Izzy78

@matthewc23 - You are absolutely correct and I agree completely with you. I personally feel like squat thrusts are much better for a person as opposed to high knees as basically all high knees does is have the person follow in a running motion expending a lot of energy so the person doe snot necessarily increase the strength in their legs any.

It is better to do something that does not require as much kinetic movement, simply due to the fact it will fatigue the person much faster and not allow the person the benefit of strengthening their calves as much as they would like to.

I am wondering if someone has some other suggestions as far as what would be a better exercise for one to do besides high knees.

matthewc23

I have to be honest as a former athlete I found no use for the high knees exercise when one could be doing other types of exercises that I feel would be much more effective.

As far as high knees go all one dies is lift their legs high. When you do this you limit yourself to not doing something strenuous like running and are just stuck in one place or at absolute most walking.

As far as people saying high knees helps ones calves I really feel like there are better exercises one can do to strengthen their legs that does not require as much energy as high knees.

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    • Athletes can perform "high knees" exercises even while running.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Athletes can perform "high knees" exercises even while running.
    • Using a mat when jogging in place can ease impact stress on the joints.
      By: 4keeps
      Using a mat when jogging in place can ease impact stress on the joints.
    • High knees drills can help increase speed for track and field athletes.
      By: Boggy
      High knees drills can help increase speed for track and field athletes.
    • High knees can help increase flexibility of the hamstrings and help to prevent muscle cramps and injuries.
      By: Maridav
      High knees can help increase flexibility of the hamstrings and help to prevent muscle cramps and injuries.
    • High knee drills may benefit basketball players.
      By: Moreno Novello
      High knee drills may benefit basketball players.
    • It's possible to perform high knees while walking.
      By: Syda Productions
      It's possible to perform high knees while walking.
    • High knee drills may be beneficial for football players.
      By: Brocreative
      High knee drills may be beneficial for football players.