Knee Circles

A dynamic mobility exercise performed in a standing position where the knees make controlled circular motions to improve joint range of motion.
Instructions
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips or in front of your body for balance.
- Bend both knees slightly and engage your core.
- Begin moving your knees in slow circular motions, working through a controlled range of motion.
- Move your knees in one direction for a set number of circles, then reverse direction.
- Perform circles in both directions for the prescribed repetitions.
- Keep your torso relatively still and let the movement come from your knees and hips.
Tips
- Perform this movement slowly and deliberately to maximize the benefit of the circular motion.
- Maintain balance by engaging your core and holding your hands out for support if needed.
- This is a warm-up or mobility exercise, not a strength movement; perform it with light, controlled motions.
- Breathe naturally throughout the movement without holding your breath.
- The circles should be smooth and flowing, not jerky or restrictive.
- This exercise is excellent for warming up the knees and hips before more intense training.
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 |