Standing Side Kick - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Standing Side Kick

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Standing Side Kick.

EasyGlutesOuter thighs

About this exercise

A bodyweight plyometric drill where you kick one leg out to the side from a standing position, targeting the outer thighs and glutes while improving hip mobility and balance. The movement is commonly used in cardio and martial-arts-inspired conditioning routines.

How to Perform

  • Stand upright on one leg with a slight bend in the supporting knee and hands in a guard or hip position
  • Shift your weight onto the standing leg and chamber the kicking knee upward
  • Drive the foot out to the side in a controlled kick, extending the hip and knee
  • Retract the leg and return to the starting position with control
  • Complete all reps on one side, then switch legs
  • Keep your torso upright and core braced throughout

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesOuter thighs
Secondary
HamstringsCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Standing Side Kick

The Standing Side Kick is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.