Hands Up Knee Up - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Hands Up Knee Up

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Hands Up Knee Up.

EasyCardio

About this exercise

Hands Up Knee Up is a high-intensity cardio drill where you simultaneously raise both hands straight overhead while driving alternating knees upward toward the chest. It builds cardiovascular endurance and activates the core and hip flexors.

How to Perform

  • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides
  • Simultaneously raise both hands straight overhead while driving one knee up toward your chest
  • Lower the knee and arms and immediately repeat on the opposite leg
  • Maintain an upright posture and keep your core engaged throughout
  • Continue alternating legs at a fast, rhythmic pace for the desired duration

Muscle Activation

Primary
Cardio
Secondary
QuadricepsCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Hands Up Knee Up

The Hands Up Knee Up 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.