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Knee Thrust

Expert Advice

Focus on engaging your abs with each knee thrust to turn this into an effective core exercise.

How-to-do Steps

  1. Begin in a fighting stance with one foot forward.
  2. Bring your rear knee up towards your chest in a fast and controlled motion.
  3. As you bring your knee up, drive your hands down to meet it, engaging your core.
  4. Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching legs.

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Muscles Worked

Knee Thrust primarily targets the Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, Glutes, Chest, Shoulders, Abs, Lats, with Cardio mechanics using Body Weight. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.

Primary
Quads
Quads16%
Hamstrings
Hamstrings12%
Calves
Calves12%
Glutes
Glutes12%
Chest
Chest12%
Shoulders
Shoulders12%
Abs
Abs12%
Lats
Lats12%
Equipment
Body Weight
Body Weight
Exercise Type
Cardio
16%Quads12%Hamstrings12%Calves12%Glutes12%Chest12%Shoulders12%Abs12%Lats

Sets & Reps Guidance

Beginner3 x 20s
Intermediate3 x 30s
Advanced4 x 45s

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Knee Thrust work?
Knee Thrust primarily targets the Quads, Hamstrings, Calves, Glutes, Chest, Shoulders, Abs, Lats. It is classified as a Cardio exercise performed with Body Weight.
How many sets and reps should I do for Knee Thrust?
For beginners, start with 3 sets of 20s. Intermediate lifters can do 3 sets of 30s. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 45s. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Knee Thrust suitable for beginners?
Knee Thrust is rated as an advanced exercise and is best suited for experienced lifters. Beginners should build foundational strength with simpler movements first before attempting this exercise.