Mighty Logo
Mighty
← Back to library
Last updated March 2, 2026
Media unavailable
cardio

High Knees

Run in place while driving your knees up to hip height as fast as possible. A simple but effective cardio drill.

Quick facts

Difficulty
Easy
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Push
Type
Aerobic
Injury Risk
Low
Hypertrophy
Very Low
Calorie Burn
High

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

cardio

Secondary

quadship flexorscalvesabs

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

body weight

Movement pattern

Alternate

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

time

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
    • Arms at your sides, elbows bent at 90 degrees.
  2. Step 2Execution
    • Drive one knee up toward your chest, aiming for hip height or above.
    • Quickly switch legs, bringing the other knee up.
    • Pump your arms in opposition to your legs for balance and momentum.
    • Stay on the balls of your feet for quick transitions.
  3. Step 3Tips
    • Maintain an upright posture; avoid leaning back.
    • Increase speed gradually as you warm up.
    • Focus on knee height first, then increase pace.
Version 1 · Created February 24, 2026