Library / Exercises

Banded Donkey Kick

A Banded Donkey Kick is a lower-body exercise targeting the glutes. By using resistance bands, it enhances muscle activation and strength, providing an effective workout for your backside while reducing joint stress.

Equipment

Booty Band

Target

Glutes

Difficulty

Easy
Looping video demonstration of the Banded Donkey Kick exercise — a physician-designed resistance-band movement performed on a mat in a bright studio.

Banded Donkey Kick

How to Do A Donkey Kick Correctly

1

Begin on all fours with hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.

2

Loop a resistance band under your knee and around your opposite thigh just above the knee.

3

Keeping your core engaged, kick your leg back until aligned with your back.

4

Feel your glutes activate and hold briefly at the top.

Common Donkey Kick Mistakes

  1. Avoid arching your back; keep your core tight.
  2. Do not move your upper body during the kick.
  3. Keep your foot flexed and don’t lift your leg too high, as this can stress your lower back.

Wake Up Your Glutes

The banded donkey kick is a simple, effective way to fire up the glutes and build hip extension strength, the power behind standing, climbing stairs, and pushing off as you walk. The band adds gentle resistance so every kick back counts, while your core keeps your spine steady.

Muscles at Work

This move primarily strengthens your gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in your hips, with support from the outer hip to keep the movement controlled. Strong glutes protect your lower back and give your stride more power.

Getting It Right

Beginners and seasoned movers alike benefit from this one. Start on all fours, press the foot toward the ceiling without arching your back, and squeeze the glute at the top of each rep for the most benefit.