Flutter Kick (Bench)
A dynamic core exercise performed on a bench where you lie on your back and rapidly alternate moving your legs up and down in a flutter motion. This exercise targets the lower abdominals and hip flexors.
Instructions
- Lie flat on your back on a bench with your legs extended straight out.
- Keep your arms at your sides with palms facing down on the bench for support and stability.
- Press your lower back into the bench to engage your core and prevent arching.
- Lift your legs slightly off the bench by about 6 inches, keeping them straight.
- Begin a rapid alternating motion, moving one leg up while the other moves down in a flutter kick pattern.
- Maintain a steady, controlled pace with small movements rather than large swings.
- Keep your core tight and your lower back pressed into the bench throughout the movement.
- Continue for the desired duration or repetition count.
Tips
- Keep the movement controlled and rhythmic to maximize core engagement
- The smaller and faster the flutter, the more challenging the exercise becomes
- If form is hard to maintain, try slowing the pace or lifting legs higher
- Press your lower back firmly into the bench to prevent lower back strain
- You can track either by time duration or by total flutter count (both legs)
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 25 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 40 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 1 min |